Michael Ray Richardson, a four-time NBA All-Star who also played for and coached the Albany Patroons, has died.
The New York Knicks, for whom Richardson played four seasons, announced Richardson’s death on social media Tuesday, as did the Brooklyn Nets and the Patroons. Richardson was 70.
“One of the fiercest defensive players of his era, the four-time NBA All-Star made an incredible impact on the Knicks during his four seasons with the franchise,” a statement from the Knicks read.
After playing for the Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets, Richardson was suspended by the NBA for substance abuse violations and joined the Patroons of the former Continental Basketball Association.
The 1987-88 Patroons, with a roster boasting many former NBA players including Richardson, Sidney Lowe and Rick Carlisle, won the league championship. Richardson would return to Albany to coach the Patroons in the 2000s.
“Due to his impact, he was sometimes referred to as ‘Mr. Patroon,’ ” read a social media statement from the Patroons.