Micheal Ray Richardson could return to the NBA with the Nuggets.  

Denver general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said Saturday he might hire Richardson as a community relations ambassador. Richardson went from NBA star to being banned from the league in 1986 for repeated drug offenses. The Denver native, who was not available for comment, is believed to be sober for about 17 years. Vandeweghe said Richardson was expected to move from Italy to Denver soon.

"(Richardson) could be doing some stuff for us in the community, and he is going to move back," Vandeweghe said. "He maintains that the NBA saved his life. He's extremely grateful for that. I had a long talk with him, and I think he could be a great example.

"He's someone who got sideways with all the things that come with the NBA. He's another example of the NBA taking care of its own by standing by somebody after they screwed up. He straightened himself out with the NBA's help.

"We want to take care of our own, also. He's part of our Denver community and our basketball tradition. He's made some mistakes, but he's learned from them, and he can be a great example in the community."