Richardson, Michael Ray

Michael Ray “Sugar” Richardson (born April 11, 1955) is a former professional basketball player known for his dynamic, fast-paced style as an NBA point guard in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Born in Lubbock, Texas, Richardson spent his formative years growing up in Texas and Denver, Colorado, where he developed the speed, flair, and defensive instincts that later defined his game. He emerged as a standout high school player before continuing his basketball career at the University of Montana. Selected fourth overall by the New York Knicks in the 1978 NBA Draft, Richardson quickly became one of the league’s most electrifying guards. He reached the peak of his career with the New Jersey Nets, earning two NBA All-Star selections (1980, 1981) and leading the NBA in steals during the 1979–80 season. Nicknamed “Sugar” for his smooth and creative play, Richardson’s NBA career was cut short by substance-abuse issues, but he later found success as a professional player overseas and as a coach, most notably leading the Albany Patroons to a championship. Richardson lived in Englewood for a time and was a regular client of Ben Peters at his legendary barber shop Ben's Barber Shop. In 2006, Sports Illustrated did a photo shoot with Richardson in Englewood. In one photo he is shown playing basketball at Mackay Park.

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1988, Michael Ray Richardson with Virtus Bologna

Public Domain