14. Michael Ray Richardson

Michael Ray Richardson was traded from the Golden State Warriors late in the 1982/83 Season, and the then two-time All-Star would put up solid stats for his new team.  Richardson would lead the Nets to their first playoff series win (over the Philadelphia 76ers) in the NBA in 1984, and his 1984/85 season would see him put up a career-high 20.1 Points per Game, and he would win the Steals Title with a 3.0 Average.  That would be his highlight year, as the following year, he would suffer the tragedy of excess.

The Point Guard had issues with the substance throughout his playing career, and while it certainly had to affect his play, it would also get him banned from the NBA on February 25, 1986.  This was not a shock, as his issues were well known, but he was unable at the time to shake the demons that he had.  It can only be imagined what Michael Ray Richardson would have accomplished in basketball had he not had issues with cocaine, but when he was focused, he was an elite player.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Acquired: Traded from the Golden State Warriors for Sleepy Floyd and Mickey Johnson 2/6/83.
  • Departed: Suspended from the NBA 2/35/86.
  • Games Played: 208
  • Per Game Averages: 33.7 MP
    .468 eFG%
    .751 FT%
    16.1 PTS
    4.9 RB
    6.8 AST
    2.7 STL
    0.3 BLK

    16 Playoff Games
    39.1 MP
    .417 eFG%
    .707 FT%
    16.2 PTS
    5.0 RB
    7.4 AST
    2.7 STL
    0.3 BLK
  • Advanced Stats: 17.5 PER
    .502 TS%
    10.5 VORP
    16.3 WS

    16 Playoff Games
    15.0 PER
    .463 TS%
    0.8 VORP
    1.1 WS
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    All-Star (1985)
    Comeback Player of the Year (1985)
    Most Steals (1984-85)
    Most Steals per Game (1982-83* & 1984-85)
    Highest Steal Percentage (1982-83*)

    *Traded from the Golden State Warriors midway through the season.
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Defensive Player of the Year Finishes:
    7th in 1985
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