The 1989–90 NBA season was the Kings' 41st season in the National Basketball Association, and fifth season in Sacramento. The Kings won the Draft Lottery and selected Pervis Ellison out of Louisville with the first overall pick of the 1989 NBA draft, and acquired Ralph Sampson from the Golden State Warriors during the off-season. However, prior to the start of the season, the Kings were hit with tragedy as Ricky Berry, who had just completed a solid rookie season, committed suicide on August 14, 1989 at the age of 24; Berry died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at his suburban home in Sacramento after an argument with his wife, Valerie.