Four-time NBA All-Star Michael “Sugar” Ray Richardson has passed away at the age of 70 in Lawton, Oklahoma, shortly after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, his attorney and friend John Zelbst confirmed to ESPN .

Richardson, who starred for the Knicks and Nets and led the NBA in steals three times, later enjoyed a long and successful second chapter in Europe.

After leaving the NBA, he became a key figure for several top clubs, most notably winning the 1990 FIBA Cup Winners’ Cup with Virtus Bologna and leading Antibes to the French league title in 1995.

He played professionally into his late 40s, earning respect across Italy, France, and Croatia for his leadership and basketball IQ.

Zelbst said: “ He lived life to the fullest. He overcame incredible odds, redeemed himself, and

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