Michael Ray Richardson, a versatile guard who was banned from the NBA for violating its drug policy in the 1980s, died Tuesday. He was 70.

Richardson’s attorney and close friend, John Zelbst, confirmed his death to The Associated Press. Richardson, who had prostate cancer, died at his home in Lawton, Oklahoma, with his wife, Kimberly, present. News outlet Andscape first reported his death.

Richardson was a three-time All-Big Sky Conference player at Montana before the New York Knicks selected him with the No. 4 pick in the 1978 draft, two slots ahead of Larry Bird. He played for the Knicks, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets, and in eight years he was a four-time All-Star who led the league in steals three times.

He was banned in 1986 after violating the drug policy for cocaine u

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