Daily Knicks
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New York Knicks: Top five point guards in franchise history

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK - 1973: Walt Frazier #10 of the New York Knicks shoots a layup against the Boston Celtics during the Eastern Conference Finals played in 1973 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 1973 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK - 1973: Walt Frazier #10 of the New York Knicks shoots a layup against the Boston Celtics during the Eastern Conference Finals played in 1973 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 1973 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON – 1980: Micheal Ray Richardson #20 of the New Knicks drives against the Washington Bullets during the NBA game circa 1980 in Washington, D.C. Copyright 1980 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photo Library/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON – 1980: Micheal Ray Richardson #20 of the New Knicks drives against the Washington Bullets during the NBA game circa 1980 in Washington, D.C. Copyright 1980 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photo Library/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Michael Ray Richardson

Michael Ray Richardson went No. 4 overall to the New York Knicks in the 1978 NBA Draft and had the chance to become a superstar, but it hardly worked out that way.

Richardson started slowly in his rookie season, due to a limited role, but still had Per 36 Minutes numbers of13.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 3 steals. This turned into a starting role in 1979-80, which saw his numbers skyrocket to 15.3 points, 10.1 assists, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 steals and lead to an NBA All-Star game appearance—the first of three with New York.

The next two seasons were not as high in the assists department, but still quality runs for Richardson, who made two more all-star teams and appeared as an all-around star for the Knicks.

The No. 10 spot on New York’s all-time assists list belongs to Richardson, as well, with 2,244 over his four seasons. They happened before the 1982 trade that sent him to the Golden State Warriors for Bernard King.

Richardson’s struggle with drug abuse took effect afterward, however, with a lifetime ban from NBA commissioner David Stern in 1986, which turned out to be two years. The rest of his career finished in Europe.

Despite the troubles that ended Richardson’s NBA career at age 30, he still found success with the Knicks and ranks among their best point guards.