• Faith: Christian
• Career: Sportscaster
• Birthday:  January 29, 1967
• Date of Death:  June 07, 2026

Stacey King was an American professional basketball player and sports announcer.

Ronald “Stacey” King was born on Jan. 29, 1967, in Lawton, Oklahoma, and became one of the most recognizable figures in Chicago Bulls history — first as a player during the franchise’s early championship dynasty and later as a beloved television broadcaster. Known for his humor, booming personality, and memorable catchphrases, King spent more than three decades connected to the Bulls organization and remained a fan favorite long after his playing career ended.

King grew up in Oklahoma and attended Lawton High School, where he emerged as one of the top basketball prospects in the state. Standing 6-foot-11, he combined size with skill and quickly attracted national attention. He went on to play college basketball at the University of Oklahoma from 1985 to 1989, becoming one of the program’s greatest players.

During his time with the Sooners, King helped lead Oklahoma to the 1988 NCAA championship game under head coach Billy Tubbs. Although the Sooners lost to Kansas and Danny Manning in the title game, King’s dominant college career elevated him into national prominence. In his senior season, he averaged 26 points per game and earned numerous honors, including Consensus First-Team All-American, Sporting News College Player of the Year, and Big Eight Player of the Year. The University of Oklahoma later honored him by retiring his No. 33 jersey.

King entered the NBA as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft, selected by the Chicago Bulls. He joined a rising team led by Michael Jordan and quickly became part of one of basketball’s greatest dynasties. King played five seasons with Chicago and helped the Bulls win three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 1993.

Though he primarily came off the bench, King became known for his energy, toughness, and locker-room personality. One of the most famous moments of his career came during the 1990 NBA playoffs when Jordan passed him the ball late in a game-winning sequence against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After King hit the winning shot, Jordan famously joked, “I’ll always remember this as the Stacey King game.”

King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds during his eight NBA seasons. In addition to the Bulls, he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks. His professional basketball journey also included time in the Continental Basketball Association and overseas leagues before his playing career ended in the late 1990s.

After retiring as a player, King transitioned into coaching and broadcasting. He coached the Rockford Lightning of the CBA during the early 2000s before finding his true second career in television. In 2006, he joined the Bulls broadcast team as a studio analyst and eventually became the franchise’s lead television color commentator.

King’s broadcasting career turned him into a Chicago sports icon for a new generation of fans. Working alongside announcers Neil Funk and later Adam Amin, he became famous for his energetic calls and signature phrases, including “Gimme the hot sauce!” and “Too big, too strong, too fast, too good!” His humor, authenticity, and deep knowledge of the game made him one of the NBA’s most recognizable local broadcasters.

The Bulls announced on June 7, 2026, that King had died at the age of 59. Reports indicated he died following a fall at his home in River Forest, Illinois, though officials said an autopsy was needed to determine the exact cause of death. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the basketball world, including former teammates, broadcasters, fans, and the Bulls organization.

Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf called King “a cherished member of the Bulls family” whose connection to the team and city “spanned more than three decades.” The NBA also honored King, remembering him as a champion, broadcaster, and personality whose passion for the game resonated with generations of fans.

King was also devoted to his family. He was married and had children, including a son who was mentioned publicly following his death. Friends and colleagues frequently described him as deeply loyal, generous, and committed to the people closest to him.

Stacey King's Religious Beliefs

Faith played an important role throughout King’s life. Those who knew him personally said he was a committed Christian whose beliefs shaped the way he treated others both publicly and privately. Friends described his faith as foundational to his life, noting that he consistently carried himself with warmth, encouragement, and gratitude throughout his basketball and broadcasting careers. While King was not known for making his faith the centerpiece of his public image, people close to him said his Christian beliefs guided the way he interacted with teammates, coworkers, and fans.