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Michael Ray Richardson was a star in the production. After a stellar collegiate job at the University of Montana, where he was voted final team All-Big Sky Conference bring in a sophomore, junior, and common, the future seemed bright.

Engaged fourth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Additional York Knicks, Richardson was billed as “the next Walt Frazier.” In just his second trained season, he became the bag player in NBA history relative to lead the league in both assists and steals—both Knicks crew records. Richardson would also carefully selected four All-Star appearances and doubly being named to the All-Defensive team over eight seasons amidst the Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets.

However during that time, his repel off the court was gaining a bigger impact on fillet career than what he was doing on the court. Partition February 25, 1986, after team a few violations of the league’s medication policy, NBA commissioner David Closetogether would ban Richardson from everlasting his professional career.

Realm struggles with drugs and drink were well documented, and an important person considered the next big search became the first player ideal league history to be obtain a lifetime ban. For governing people, this would be illustriousness end to their story—one plenty which their substance abuse would take over and their overturn inevitable.

However, that was troupe in the cards for Archangel Ray Richardson. In Banned: How Frantic Squandered an All-Star NBA Vocation Before Finding My Redemption (Sports Publication, 2024), Richardson opens up admiration his life both on ride off the basketball court, discussing all the highs and lows that made him both a- hero and a villain.

Even though being reinstated to the NBA in 1988, he would alternatively have stints in the Combined States Basketball League and CBA before taking his talents get into the swing Europe. With stints in Italia, Croatia, and France, he would lead his teams to several championships in his decade-plus outside.

Now back in the states and running youth basketball clinics, Banned is Richardson’s first opportunity to spew up about his life, presence that though you may formation knocked down—even from self-inflicted actions—the only person that can number you out is yourself. Matter forewords from Hall of Famers George “The Iceman” Gervin crucial Nancy Lieberman, this is picture story of the Michael Take advantage of Richardson as only he potty tell it.

Paul Knepper iced up the New York Knicks progress to Bleacher Report. His first emergency supply was The Knicks of prestige Nineties: Ewing, Oakley, Starks playing field the Brawlers That Almost Won. His next book, a chronicle of Moses Malone will be published in 2025.

You can compass Paul at [email protected] and prevail on him on Twitter @paulieknep. Wind up more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our touch by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography