Ronald Stacey King (born January 29, 1967) is an American announcer, former National Basketball Association (NBA) center who won three consecutive championships with the Chicago Bulls from 1991 to 1993. He is currently the lead color commentator for Chicago Bulls television broadcasts.
After a stand-out career at the University of Oklahoma, King was selected by the Bulls in the 1989 NBA draft with the sixth pick. He was one of three first round picks by the Bulls in that draft (the other two were B. J. Armstrong and Jeff Sanders). He played four and a half seasons in Chicago before being traded during the 1993–94 campaign to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for 7'2" Australian-born center Luc Longley. He was last active during the 1996–97 season while playing a handful of games for both the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics.
Coaching
King was named the head coach of the CBA's Rockford Lightning in 2001. The team reached the CBA championship game in 2002 with King as coach.
TV commentary
King began his career with CSN Chicago as a studio analyst for pre and post game shows for the Chicago Bulls. He filled in as a third commentator during the 2006 playoffs joining Johnny "Red" Kerr, and Tom Dore. He was permanently added during the 2007 season.
In 2008, Tom Dore was replaced by Neil Funk and Kerr's duties were significantly reduced, leading King to become the lead color commentator for the Bulls alongside Neil Funk. King is currently working as a color commentator for Chicago Bulls television broadcasts on Comcast SportsNet Chicago and WGN-TV.
King's popularity as an announcer has grown thanks to his great enthusiasm as well as his signature catch-phrases and nicknames. They include:
"If you're scared, buy a dog!"
"Too big, too strong, too fast, too good" (in reference to Derrick Rose's play)
"Give me the hot sauce!" (when a Bulls player hits a three-pointer)
"Reservations for 3, Mr. Korver, your table is ready" (when former Bull Kyle Korver hit a three-pointer)
"Aşik and Destroy", "The Turkish Hammer", and "The SuperBull from Istanbul" (for former Bull Ömer Aşık)
"He's giving out tickets to the Booze Cruise" (when former Bull Carlos Boozer hit a mid-range jumper)
Due to the popularity of his catchphrases, King started a clothing line called 21King. The label mainly consists of T-shirts. He is also an avid tweeter.