Career Timeline of Micheal Ray Richardson: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Micheal Ray Richardson made an impact.

Micheal Ray Richardson (died November 11, 2025) was an American professional basketball player and head coach. A Montana Grizzlies college player, he was the fourth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. He played eight years in the NBA for the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets. Richardson was a four-time NBA All-Star and a three-time league leader in steals. After his NBA career, he became a head coach in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and National Basketball League of Canada.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1974: Freshman Year at Montana

In 1974, Michael Ray Richardson began his freshman year at Montana.

1975: Sophomore Year at Montana

In 1975, Michael Ray Richardson continued his sophomore year at Montana, averaging 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

1975: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 1975, Montana qualified for the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament where they defeated Utah State before losing to UCLA.

1976: Montana Finishes Season

In 1976, Michael Ray Richardson and Montana finished with a 13-12 record and the coach, Heathcote, left for Michigan State University.

1976: Lead the League

In 1976, Michael Ray Richardson became the third player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists (10.1) and steals (3.2), setting the Knicks' franchise records in both categories.

1976: Richardson's Junior Year at Montana

In 1976, Michael Ray Richardson played under coach Jim Brandenburg during his junior year at Montana.

1977: Montana Season

In 1977, Michael Ray Richardson averaged 19.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists as Montana finished 18–8.

1977: Senior Year at Montana

In 1977, Michael Ray Richardson was a senior at Montana.

1978: Big Sky Regular-Season Title

In 1978, Michael Ray Richardson averaged 24.2 points and 6.9 rebounds, and Montana captured the Big Sky regular-season title.

1978: Drafted by the New York Knicks

In 1978, Michael Ray Richardson was drafted by the New York Knicks as the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft and was compared to Walt Frazier.

1979: Heathcote Wins NCAA Title

In 1979, Heathcote, Richardson's former coach, would win the NCAA title.

1980: Second All-Star Game

During the 1980-81 NBA season, Michael Ray Richardson made his second All-Star game, scoring 11 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and recording 4 steals in a 123-120 Eastern Conference victory.

November 27, 1981: Highest Single Game Total

On November 27, 1981, Michael Ray Richardson scored his highest single game total as a Knick, with 33 points in a 116–95 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

October 22, 1982: Trade to the Golden State Warriors

On October 22, 1982, Michael Ray Richardson was traded to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Bernard King.

February 5, 1983: Double-Double vs San Antonio Spurs

On February 5, 1983, Michael Ray Richardson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 assists, while adding 9 steals, in a 106–102 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

February 6, 1983: Trade to the New Jersey Nets

On February 6, 1983, Michael Ray Richardson was traded to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Sleepy Floyd and Mickey Johnson.

1984: Upset of the Philadelphia 76ers

In the 1984 playoffs, Michael Ray Richardson led the Nets to an upset of the defending champion Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 24 points and having six steals in the deciding game.

October 30, 1985: Near Quadruple-Double

On October 30, 1985, Michael Ray Richardson scored 38 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, recorded 11 assists, and stole the ball 9 times, during a 147–138 win over the Indiana Pacers, nearly achieving a quadruple-double.

1986: Played with Long Island Knights

In 1986, Michael Ray Richardson played with the Long Island Knights of the United States Basketball League.

1987: CBA Championship

During the 1987–88 season, Michael Ray Richardson played with the Albany Patroons of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA).

1987: Played with Albany

In 1987, Michael Ray Richardson played with Albany in 1987–1988, when it won its second CBA championship under coach Bill Musselman.

1988: Played with Albany

In 1988, Michael Ray Richardson played with Albany in 1987–1988, when it won its second CBA championship under coach Bill Musselman.

1988: Right to Play Regained

In 1988, Michael Ray Richardson regained the right to play in the NBA, but decided to continue his career in Europe.

1988: Signed with Virtus Bologna

In 1988, Michael Ray Richardson signed with Virtus Bologna, a prominent European team.

1989: Won the FIBA Cup Winners' Cup

In the 1989–90 season, Michael Ray Richardson won the European-wide second-tier level FIBA Cup Winners' Cup with Virtus Bologna.

1990: Won Cup Winners' Cup

In 1990, Michael Ray Richardson won the Cup Winners' Cup with Virtus Bologna.

1991: Played for KK Split

In 1991, Michael Ray Richardson played for KK Split.

1992: Played for KK Split

In 1992, Michael Ray Richardson played for KK Split.

1994: Played for Baker Livorno

In 1994, Michael Ray Richardson played for Baker Livorno.

1995: Won the LNB Pro A championship

In 1995, Michael Ray Richardson won the LNB Pro A championship with Olympique Antibes.

1997: Played for Olympique Antibes

In 1997, Michael Ray Richardson played for Cholet Basket.

1998: Played for Cholet Basket

In 1998, Michael Ray Richardson played for Cholet Basket and Montana Forli.

1999: Played for Montana Forlì

In 1999, Michael Ray Richardson played for Montana Forlì and Basket Livorno.

2000: Played for Basket Livorno

In 2000, Michael Ray Richardson played for Basket Livorno.

2001: Played for Olympique Antibes

In 2001, Michael Ray Richardson played for Olympique Antibes again.

2002: Played for AC Golfe-Juan-Vallauris

In 2002, at the age of 47, Michael Ray Richardson played for AC Golfe-Juan-Vallauris.

December 14, 2004: Named Head Coach of Albany Patroons

On December 14, 2004, Michael Ray Richardson was named head coach of the Albany Patroons in the CBA.

May 24, 2007: Named Head Coach of Oklahoma Cavalry

On May 24, 2007, Michael Ray Richardson was named head coach of the reincarnated Oklahoma Cavalry of the CBA.

December 16, 2007: Fired by the Cavalry

On December 16, 2007, Michael Ray Richardson was fired by the Cavalry for sticking up for his players when their paychecks bounced, but rehired the next season.

2008: Continental Basketball Association Finals

In 2008, Michael Ray Richardson led the Cavalry to victory in the Continental Basketball Association Finals

2009: Continental Basketball Association Finals

In 2009, Michael Ray Richardson led the Cavalry to victory in the Continental Basketball Association Finals.

2010: Premiere Basketball League Finals

In 2010, Michael Ray Richardson led the Cavalry to victory in the Premiere Basketball League Finals.

August 17, 2011: Hired as Head Coach of London Lightning

On August 17, 2011, Michael Ray Richardson was hired as the first head coach of NBL Canada's London Lightning.

March 25, 2012: Inaugural NBL Canada Championship

On March 25, 2012, Michael Ray Richardson led the Lightning to a victory over the Halifax Rainmen to win the NBL Canada's inaugural championship.

April 12, 2013: Back to Back NBL Champions

On April 12, 2013, Michael Ray Richardson led the London Lightning to an 87–80 victory over the Summerside Storm, becoming back to back NBL champions.