Michael Ray Richardson Story (AMAZING BASKETBALL NBA DOCUMENTARY)

Michael Ray Richardson Story (AMAZING BASKETBALL NBA DOCUMENTARY)

The story of Michael Ray Richardson is one of the greatest tragedies in NBA history, it's also one of the most controversial topics in the history of the NBA.

Richardson starred at the University of Montana from 74 until 78 where he got the grizzlies into the tournament and got them ranked twice and set a than school record with 21 wins in 1975.

After four years at Montana Richardson went pro and was the 4th overall pick of the 1978 NBA draft by the New York Knicks. His rookie season with the Knicks was anything but spectacular. Richardson served primarily as a back up and averaged just 16 minutes a game.

He exploded his second year as his minutes jumped 37 a game and his points to 15 a game. He also became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists and steals.

He became a key member of the Knicks in the late 70s but was given to the Golden State Warriors as compensation for the Knicks signing Bernard King. He played just 33 games with the Warriors before being traded to the Nets.

Richardson would go on to star for the Nets but he also acquired a cocaine habit. Richardson would miss several games due to rehab issues and even a few because he was too high to play.

In 1984-85 he had arguably the best season of his career averaging a career high 20 points, and 3 steals a game while making the all-star team for the 4th time. This was a controversial selection because it left out Bulls rookie Michael Jordan.

The following season Richardson had his 3rd positive test for cocaine and NBA commissioner David Stern banned Richardson for life. Richardson complains about the suspension saying it was a double standard as Warriors forward Chris Mullin had a well publicized battle with alcohol bad no action was ever taken against him. Richardson claims he was singled out because he was black and Mullin was white. He also points to the fact that the three players who were banned for life, himself, Jazz guard John Drew, and Rockets guard Mitchell Wiggins are all black. He was reinstated instated in 1988 but failed two more tests, which he disputes.

Following his ban he played several years in Europe and the CBA He has twice been named head coaches of CBA teams but created a huge controversy in 2007 while head coach of the Albany Patroons when he made anti-Semitic remarks. He now coached the Oklahoma Calvary who have since moved to the PBL.