Michael Ray Richardson, former NBA star, best remembered today for his talents on the hardwood, recently celebrated his 70th birthday on April 13. He marked this milestone with a jubilant party in Phoenix overflowing with current and past supporters. Richardson was joined by about 70 of his friends and family. Collectively, they honored his stellar career while addressing some of the struggles that he has faced throughout the years, including ongoing struggles with depression and low self-esteem.
A 24.1 points per game average made Richardson’s best season the 1984-85 NBA season with the New Jersey Nets. He quickly established himself as a defensive and offensive juggernaut. He ended with an incredible 20.1 ppg, 8.2 apg, 5.6 rpg and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg. His performance that season turned him into an instant top tier player in the league.
The high-flying, ball-handling, three-point shooting guard became an immediate star in the NBA, eventually hoisting four NBA All-Star trophies and two All-NBA first-team awards over his eight-season career. He brought it every night on the floor. Amazingly, he led the league in steals three times and assists once. In addition to his time with the Nets, Richardson suited up for the New York Knicks and four other franchises.
In looking back at his career, Richardson opened up about his demons outside of basketball. His longtime agent, Charles Grantham, made public for the first time that Richardson wrestled with his own demons, including depression and low self-worth. As Richardson neared his 70th birthday, he began to candidly reflect on his life and impart what he has learned through his past experiences.
“I’m still here after all the s— I’ve gone through,” – Michael Ray Richardson
After the creation of the USL Premier Development League, Richardson moved to Oklahoma in 2007 to coach the Oklahoma City Cavalry. This decision was a surprise twist in his story. It was in Oklahoma that he met his wife, Kimberly, who today runs a beauty salon. Together, the couple have built an extraordinary life while Richardson has followed his personal calling to create opportunities to pay it forward in the community.
After retiring from professional basketball in 2001, Richardson didn’t leave the game behind. At 46 years old, he was a coach, still serving the game in a major way. He was the head coach of the London Lightning from 2011-2014 in NBL Canada. Since 2014, he’s dedicated his summers to organizing and running basketball camps for underprivileged communities in Florida, New Jersey, and California. He joins forces with fellow former player, Otis Birdsong, to positively impact these communities.
Their friendship, now in its sixth decade, is a potent reminder of respect and admiration across cultural lines. Birdsong highlighted Richardson’s competitive spirit, especially how she was never afraid of competition from their time on the court together.
“He never really feared any opponent. I tell people this story and they don’t believe it. He used to go in the [opponents’] locker room… and he would tell them, ‘I’m gonna bust you’re a– tonight.’ He was fearless and that’s how he played,” – Otis Birdsong
Birdsong further described Richardson’s dual nature: fierce on the court yet warm-hearted off of it.
“On the court, fearless, competitive, feisty, mean, nasty. Not mean and nasty in a bad way, just in a competitive way. And off the court, do anything for you. Funny. Fun-loving. Totally different person off the court,” – Otis Birdsong
Richardson’s life has not come without its struggles. He bravely spoke to the media and public about his own journey with substance use. He talked about what drove him onto that dark journey.
“I never was a drinker when I was in college. Never was a weed smoker. And to this day, I couldn’t put my finger on how I got involved. I just don’t know,” – Michael Ray Richardson
Above all else, he urged us to never lose sight of the fact that hope is never lost—even for those who are most challenged.
“What I hope [readers] gain from it is knowing that there is always a dark side and always an end of the tunnel. It don’t have to be like that. Only you can change it,” – Michael Ray Richardson
Richardson experienced severance from what was once a flourishing career, affecting his transition process from internal struggles. He is proud of what he has achieved during his three years in the NBA.
“I had a good NBA career, but it should’ve been longer,” – Michael Ray Richardson
Now 70 years old, Michael Ray Richardson prepares to walk with pride into a bright new chapter of life. On the court and beyond, he is still coaching, inspiring, and showing resilience to so many in the sports world and outside of it. His odyssey is a cautionary tale about the wonders and perils of life under the glare of fame. It is a document of a life full of achievement and the realities that inform an artist’s spirit.
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