Michael Ray Richardson, a dynamic guard whose promising NBA career was cut short due to a drug policy violation in the 1980s, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 70.

A standout at the University of Montana, Richardson earned three All-Big Sky Conference selections before being picked fourth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft, notably ahead of basketball legend Larry Bird. During his eight-year tenure in the NBA, Richardson showcased his talent with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets, earning four All-Star selections and leading the league in steals on three occasions.

Richardson’s career faced a major setback in 1986 when he was banned from the NBA following a violation of the league’s drug policy due to cocaine use. Despite this, he continued to play in the Continental Basketball Association and ultimately found success in Europe. Transitioning to coaching, Richardson demonstrated his leadership skills by securing five championships in the Continental Basketball Association and NBL Canada.

“His life was a journey of redemption and triumph,” said Zelbst. “Both redemption and triumph. It’s truly remarkable.”

In the 1979-80 NBA season, Richardson made a significant impact with the Knicks, averaging 15.3 points per game while topping the league charts in assists with 10.1 per game and steals with 3.2.

“He was just an incredible player, and no one had seen anybody like him at that time,” Zelbst said. “He was Magic (Johnson) before Magic.”

In 1984, he led the Nets to a stunning playoff upset of the defending champion Philadelphia 76ers and stars Moses Malone and Julius Erving.

In his best NBA season, 1984-85 with New Jersey, Richardson was named the NBA’s comeback player of the year after averaging 20.1 points and 8.2 assists and a league-best 3.0 steals per contest.

He played one more NBA season before his ban.

“He got kicked out of the league, got sober and never went back to it,” Zelbst said.

Richardson coached the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry to three championships — in the CBA in 2008 and 2009 and in the Premier Basketball League in 2010. He also led the London Lightning to two NBL Canada championships. He returned to Lawton and spent much of the time in his later years guiding young Black men in the area.

Zelbst, who owned the Cavalry and Lightning, said Richardson was one of the best people he knew.

“Anybody that ever met him would just be fascinated by him,” Zelbst said. “He was such a bright light and I’m going to dearly miss him. He turned out to be my best pal, and it’s just heartbreaking.”