Micheal Ray Richardson, a star basketball player at Manual High in the 1970s and later a four-time NBA All-Star, died of cancer Tuesday at the age of 70, according to reports.

Richardson played for the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets before later receiving a lifetime ban from the NBA.

“We are saddened to hear about the passing of former Knick Michael Ray Richardson. One of the fiercest defensive players of his era, the four-time NBA All-Star made an incredible impact on the Knicks during his four seasons with the franchise. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends and teammates,” the Knicks said in a statement.

Richardson was born in Texas but graduated from Denver’s Manual High School in 1974. He was a member of Manual’s 1972 state championship team and was recruited by Jud Heathcote to play at the University of Montana.

Richardson, who earned the nickname “Sugar,” led the NBA in steals three times and was the assists leader in 1980. He was named the NBA Comeback Player of the Year in 1985 after missing nearly half the previous season while in drug rehab. He was the No. 4 overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft.

Richardson also served as a community ambassador with the Nuggets in Denver.

Richardson in February 1986 was banned for life from the NBA for violating the association’s drug policy three times. He played overseas in Italy, Croatia, France and Israel after the NBA ban. He reportedly was living in Oklahoma at the time of his death.