Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Ronald Stacey King, former Chicago Bulls player and renowned commentator, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
King passed away at the age of 59. A fall at his home was reportedly the preliminary cause of death, as revealed by ESPN Chicago's David Kaplan, although an official statement regarding the exact cause is still awaited.
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The sad news was officially confirmed by the Chicago Bulls organization.
For more than three decades, King forged a deep connection with the city of Chicago, the Bulls, and the fans, both as a player and as the distinctive voice that brought Bulls basketball broadcasts to millions of homes.
Jerry Reinsdorf, owner and chairman of the Bulls, and Michael Reinsdorf, president and CEO of the team, have paid tribute to King's legacy and profound impact.
We are devastated by the passing of 3x NBA Champion and beloved broadcaster Stacey King. pic.twitter.com/NSyeopd880
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 7, 2026
Early Years in Basketball
Born Ronald Stacey King on January 29, 1967, in Lawton, Oklahoma, United States, he attended Lawton High School.
King then played basketball at the University of Oklahoma from 1985 to 1989, earning first-team All-American honors in 1989.
He also helped the Sooners reach the NCAA Championship in 1988, losing to Kansas City.
In honor of his accomplishments, his number 33 jersey was retired by the University of Oklahoma in 2008.
Stacey King Performance During Playing Years
A center and power forward, Stacey King was the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 1989 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls.
He was an integral part of the Bulls dynasty that won three consecutive NBA championships between 1991 and 1993, playing alongside icons like Michael Jordan.
During his five seasons with the Bulls, King averaged 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
His NBA playing career continued after being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in February 1994.
He also played for the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks.
In total, King played eight seasons in the NBA, appearing in 438 regular-season games and averaging 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.
For his contributions, he was also selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1990.
Coaching and Broadcasting Career
After retiring from the court, King briefly explored coaching in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), where he served as head coach of the Rockford Lightning in 2001.
However, he found his true calling in broadcasting.
Since 2006, King has been a studio analyst and color commentator for the Bulls on Comcast SportsNet, then known as NBC Sports Chicago.
He is known for his enthusiasm, humor, and catchphrases like "Gimme the Hot Sauce" and "Elizabeth I'm coming again... ahhhh lawd," which earned him an Emmy Award as a broadcaster.
King served as the Bulls' primary color commentator, partnering with Neil Funk and later Adam Amin.