Sugar Ray
New York Knicks drafted a great Point Guard with the 4th overall pick in the 1978 draft by the name of Michael “Sugar” Ray Richardson, let’s learn about another great Knick guard.
What made me write about Michael Ray Richardson is bringing to light all of the special Point Guards who played for the New York Knicks. Even though between 2010-2022 we had a different starting Point Guard at the start of each season Jalen Brunson has finally solidified the position. After Walt Frazier, Knicks needed a new Point Guard to lead the team and thought Michael Ray Richardson was that guy. Well he was, but drugs derailed his career.
Michael Ray Richardson moved from Texas to Denver, Colorado, at the age of eight. Born in Lubbock, Texas, on April 11, 1955, Richardson relocated with his family in 1963. Denver became the city where he would grow up, discover basketball, and eventually develop into a high school standout at Manual High School. Growing up in a challenging environment, he turned to basketball as an outlet. Attending Manual High School, Richardson was not an instant standout but showed steady improvement. His senior year saw him lead Manual to the 1972 Colorado State Championship while averaging 27 Points Per Game, cementing his reputation as a talented guard with immense potential. However, Richardson was a late bloomer, averaging just 10 points per game until his final year, when his play began to attract the attention of college scouts.
Michael Ray Richardson was recruited to play basketball at the University of Montana by Hall of Fame coach Jud Heathcote. The recruitment process was sparked by Richardson’s friend, David Berry, a basketball player from Denver, who had visited the University of Montana and recommended Richardson to Heathcote. Berry’s endorsement and Richardson’s standout performance at Manual High School helped pave the way for Richardson’s collegiate basketball journey.
Michael Ray Richardson’s college career at the University of Montana (1974-1978) was one of extraordinary individual achievement. Coming out of Manual High School in Denver, where he helped his team win the 1972 state championship, Richardson was a relatively low-profile recruit. However, he blossomed into a dominant force at Montana, rewriting the school’s record books and setting the stage for his eventual NBA stardom.
Richardson played four seasons for the Grizzlies, and each year saw him develop into an even more versatile and impactful player. His unique combination of scoring, playmaking, rebounding, and defense made him one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball during the mid-1970s.
Freshman Year (1974-75):
In his first year, Richardson made an immediate impact, averaging 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. His advanced stats already hinted at his all-around talent, with a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 18.7 and a Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM) of +2.1. While his role was still developing, Richardson’s defensive prowess and ability to make plays for his teammates quickly became apparent.
Sophomore Year (1975-76):
Richardson’s sophomore season was his breakout campaign. He averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, leading the team in all three categories. His PER jumped to 22.3, and his Defensive Win Shares (DWS) increased to 3.7, highlighting his defensive dominance. He was named First-Team All-Big Sky Conference for the first time, a testament to his growing stature in the league.
His career-high game that year came against Weber State, where he scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists in a thrilling victory.
Junior Year (1976-77):
Richardson continued his ascent in his junior year, averaging 19.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. He recorded a PER of 23.8 and led the team in both Offensive and Defensive Win Shares, further establishing himself as the Grizzlies’ undisputed leader.
During the season, he notched a career-high 13 assists in a game against Idaho State, showcasing his playmaking ability. Richardson’s performance earned him his second consecutive First-Team All-Big Sky selection, and he was named the team’s Most Valuable Player for the second straight year.
Senior Year (1977-78):
Richardson’s senior season was one of the greatest individual campaigns in Montana basketball history. He averaged a school-record 24.2 points per game, along with 8.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. His advanced stats were staggering: a PER of 27.4 and a career-best DWS of 4.5.
He recorded several standout performances during the season, including tying the school’s single-game scoring record with 40 points against Northern Arizona. In that game, he also set the record for field goals made with 18. Richardson’s versatility was on full display in a game against Montana State, where he recorded 28 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, and 5 steals.
For his achievements, Richardson was named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association District VII All-American, his third consecutive First-Team All-Big Sky honor, and the team MVP for the third year in a row.
Career Totals and Accolades:
Richardson finished his Montana career with remarkable totals:
• 1,827 points (2nd in school history)
• 710 rebounds (9th in school history)
• 372 assists (3rd in school history)
• 2.1 steals per game career average
Richardson remains one of the few players in school history to lead the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals in a single season (1977-78). He was inducted into the Grizzly Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Montana uniform.
Michael Ray Richardson’s college career not only displayed his immense talent but also demonstrated the all-around game that would make him a star at the next level. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor and impact every facet of the game set him apart and made his years at Montana truly unforgettable.
Michael Ray Richardson’s New York Knicks Career: Brilliance and Departure
Michael Ray Richardson was selected by the New York Knicks with the fourth overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft, beginning a promising career filled with dazzling performances and untapped potential. Known for his exceptional defense, playmaking, and rebounding ability for a guard, Richardson became one of the league’s most versatile players during his tenure with the Knicks.
Richardson’s rookie season (1978-79) saw him make an immediate impact. He played in 81 games, starting 63, and averaged 10.9 points, 5.2 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. By his second season, Richardson blossomed into a star. During the 1979-80 campaign, he averaged 15.3 points, 10.1 assists, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 steals per game, leading the league in both assists and steals—making him the first player in NBA history to accomplish this feat. His defensive prowess and playmaking earned him his first NBA All-Star selection that year.
In the 1980-81 season, Richardson continued to excel, averaging 14.3 points, 8.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 steals per game. His ability to consistently contribute across the board made him one of the most dynamic guards in the league. He earned his second All-Star selection and showcased his talent in several standout performances. On March 15, 1981, Richardson recorded one of the best games of his career, posting 36 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds, and 7 steals in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 1981-82 season marked his final full year with the Knicks. Richardson averaged 17.9 points, 7.9 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. He also had his career-high scoring game as a Knick that season, dropping 43 points in a February 28, 1982, matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Richardson’s growing offensive contributions, coupled with his defensive dominance, made him an invaluable player for the Knicks.
Over his four full seasons and part of his fifth with the Knicks, Richardson played 315 games and totaled:
• 4,740 points (15.1 points per game)
• 2,278 assists (7.2 assists per game)
• 1,901 rebounds (6.0 rebounds per game)
• 919 steals (2.9 steals per game)
His 18 career triple-doubles with the Knicks remain the second-most in franchise history, and he set the franchise single-season assist record in 1979-80 with 812, which stood for several years. By the way Josh Hart is tied 5th in Knicks history in triple doubles with Mark Jackson.
However, despite Richardson’s individual success, the Knicks struggled to achieve team success during his tenure, failing to make deep playoff runs. By the early 1980s, the organization sought to reshape the roster, aiming to bring in a more consistent scorer and leader.
On October 22, 1982, the Knicks traded Michael Ray Richardson to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Bernard King. King was an elite scorer and considered one of the most talented forwards in the league, capable of carrying a team’s offense. The trade was also influenced by concerns about Richardson’s off-court behavior and growing whispers about his struggles with drugs, which were beginning to affect his focus and performance.
For the Knicks, the trade marked a shift toward rebuilding around a reliable offensive centerpiece in King. For Richardson, it signaled the start of a tumultuous period in his career. While his raw talent remained evident, his ongoing struggles with addiction would ultimately overshadow much of his basketball brilliance.
Michael Ray Richardson: Golden State Warriors Chapter
After a stellar career with the New York Knicks, Michael Ray Richardson was traded to the Golden State Warriors on October 22, 1982, in exchange for Bernard King. The trade was part of the Knicks’ effort to acquire a reliable scoring forward while the Warriors hoped Richardson’s playmaking and defensive skills would bolster their roster. However, his time with Golden State was short-lived and marked by both promise and abrupt change.
Golden State Warriors Stats
Richardson played only 33 games for the Warriors during the 1982-83 NBA season before being traded to the New Jersey Nets. In those games, he averaged:
• 14.5 points per game
• 5.3 rebounds per game
• 7.2 assists per game
• 3.3 steals per game
Despite the brief stint, Richardson showcased his defensive brilliance, ranking among the league leaders in steals during his time with Golden State.
Golden State Career Highs
Richardson’s standout game with the Warriors came on December 11, 1982, against the San Diego Clippers, where he recorded:
• 28 points
• 13 assists
• 9 rebounds
• 5 steals
His ability to dominate both ends of the court was evident even in his short tenure with the team. However, behind the scenes, his off-court struggles with drug addiction were beginning to take a toll on his career trajectory.
Why He Left the Golden State Warriors
On February 6, 1983, the Warriors traded Richardson to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Sleepy Floyd and Mickey Johnson. The move came amidst mounting concerns over Richardson’s reliability. His growing battle with cocaine addiction made him a risk for teams looking to build long-term success.
For the Warriors, trading Richardson was part of a rebuilding strategy to bring in younger talent like Sleepy Floyd, a promising point guard who would go on to have a solid career. For Richardson, the trade to the Nets provided another fresh start, but his struggles with addiction continued to overshadow his immense talent.
The Golden State Transition
While Richardson’s time with the Warriors was brief, it highlighted his continued ability to impact the game with his versatility and defense. However, his departure from Golden State underscored the challenges he faced off the court, which would later lead to his eventual ban from the NBA. His time with the Warriors is often viewed as a transitional phase in a career that shone brightly but was ultimately hindered by personal struggles.
Finally, let’s talk about Richardson time with the New Jersey Nets appearing in 208 games from 1982 to 1986. Richardson’s trade to the Nets occurred on October 8, 1982, in a deal with the Golden State Warriors. His time with the Nets is remembered as a blend of brilliance on the court and personal struggles off it. During his four seasons, he played 208 games and averaged 16.1 points, 6.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game. Richardson’s peak with the team came in the 1984-85 season when he averaged 20.1 points, 8.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game, leading the league in steals while becoming an allstar. His career highs with the Nets included 38 points, 16 assists, 12 rebounds, and 9 steals in single games.
Despite his strong on-court performances, Richardson’s time with the Nets ended in controversy.
Michael Ray Richardson played 556 NBA games, amassing 8,253 points, 3,899 assists, 3,347 rebounds, and 1,463 steals. He averaged 14.8 points, 7.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game, leaving a legacy as one of the best two-way guards of his era.
His accolades include four NBA All-Star selections (1980, 1981, 1982, 1985), two All-NBA Defensive First Team honors (1981, 1982), and leading the league in assists (1980) and steals twice (1980, 1985). Richardson’s career highs include 43 points, 20 assists, 18 rebounds, and 9 steals.
His struggles with substance abuse led to multiple violations of the NBA’s drug policy, culminating in a lifetime ban issued by Commissioner David Stern on February 25, 1986. This marked the end of his NBA career, although Richardson later found success in European basketball leagues.
Richardson’s personal life began to unravel due to his growing addiction to cocaine. His problems began during his third season with the Knicks, after moving to Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood to be closer to Madison Square Garden. A chance meeting with Muhammad, a drug dealer who lived in the same building, introduced Richardson to cocaine. Initially, it was a social activity, but Richardson quickly became addicted, transitioning from snorting to smoking freebase cocaine. As told in his memoir “Banned” which I talk about later on in this article. Purchase Michael Ray Richardson Book
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from coca leaves, primarily grown in South America. Its euphoric effects are caused by a surge of dopamine in the brain, but this also disrupts the brain’s natural reward system, making it highly addictive. Freebasing, in particular, intensifies the drug’s potency and its grip on users. For Richardson, the addiction became a way to cope with the pressures of fame, but it ultimately derailed his career.Michael Ray Richardson talking about how drugs effected his NBA Career
On February 25, 1986, Richardson was banned for life by NBA commissioner David Stern after violating the league’s drug policy three times. Although he regained the right to play in the NBA in 1988, he chose to continue his career overseas.
Richardson found redemption in Europe, where he played for several teams, including Virtus Bologna in Italy and KK Split in Croatia. With Split, he won the FIBA European Champions Cup in 1989, a crowning achievement in his overseas career. Richardson averaged over 20 points per game during his time in Europe and became a fan favorite for his tenacity and skill. Salute to Ray continuing to play the game he loved but kinda crazy what if he would’ve stayed with the Knicks and not used drugs what the 1980s Knicks would look like?
Last but not least let’s talk about Michael Ray Richardson’s memoir, Banned: How I Squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding My Redemption, was co-written with Jacob Uitti and is set to be released on November 26, 2024.
This deeply personal book delves into Richardson’s journey from being an NBA All-Star to facing a lifetime ban from the league due to substance abuse. It captures the highs of his basketball career—like leading the league in assists and steals in 1980—and the devastating lows caused by addiction, which led to his banishment in 1986.
In the book, Richardson discusses his early career, his rise as one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA, and his struggles with cocaine, which derailed his career. He candidly explores the impact of his addiction on his personal and professional life, shedding light on the challenges he faced in overcoming it. The memoir also details his post-NBA life, including his successful stints playing and coaching overseas, particularly in Europe, where he led multiple teams to championships. Through these experiences, Richardson reflects on lessons learned and his path to redemption.
The book includes forewords by basketball legends George Gervin and Nancy Lieberman and emphasizes that, despite setbacks, recovery and redemption are possible. In addition to Banned, Richardson has been involved in youth basketball programs, using his experiences to mentor young athletes and advocate for a drug-free lifestyle.
Thankyou reader for opening another State article peace and blessings