Stacey King, a key member of the Chicago Bulls' three-peat championship teams from 1991 to 1993 and later an Emmy-winning broadcaster for the franchise, has passed away at the age of 59. The Bulls confirmed his death on Sunday, stating that a family member had informed them. No further details were provided at the time of the announcement.
A Life Dedicated to the Bulls
Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf expressed deep sorrow in a statement, saying: "Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization's history. His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades — first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans. We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and passion he brought to our organization, our broadcasts and our fans every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
Playing Career and Legacy
King began his NBA journey with the Bulls after being selected as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA draft from the University of Oklahoma. Standing at 6-foot-11, he played as a forward and center, averaging 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game over five seasons in Chicago. His NBA career spanned eight seasons, including stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, finishing with career averages of 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.
Broadcasting Brilliance
After retiring from playing, King found a second calling in broadcasting, spending over two decades as a commentator for Bulls games. He became beloved for his colorful commentary, memorable catchphrases and nicknames, endearing himself to a new generation of fans. His Emmy-winning work helped define the Bulls' broadcast experience.
Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf also paid tribute, stating: "Stacey loved being a Bull. You could feel it in everything he did — the way he played, the way he called games and the way he connected with our fans. He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal. He brought an energy and love for the game that came through in every broadcast, helping fans feel connected to our team. Whether it was through a broadcast, a conversation or a photo with a fan, Stacey made people feel seen and valued. We were fortunate to know him not only as a player and broadcaster, but as a friend. Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better. We will miss him dearly, and his impact, memory and legacy will remain a part of the Chicago Bulls forever."
King's passing leaves a void in the Bulls community, but his contributions to the team and its fans will be remembered for generations.
