The Chicago Bulls organization announced the death of Stacey King on Sunday, a former player who won three NBA championships with the team and later became one of its most recognizable broadcast voices. King was 59 years old. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from team executives, who remembered him as a unique personality whose passion for basketball and connection with fans spanned more than three decades. His death marks the loss of a figure who bridged two eras of Bulls history, first as a player during the franchise’s dynasty years and then as the voice that brought games into homes across Chicago and beyond.
Championship legacy from the first three-peat era
King joined the Bulls as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft out of the University of Oklahoma. He spent four complete seasons with Chicago during one of the most successful periods in franchise history. As a member of the team from 1990 to 1993, King was part of the Bulls’ first three consecutive championship runs alongside Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson. During his NBA career, which also included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, King played 438 games and averaged 6.4 points per game. While his statistical contributions were modest, his role as a reliable rotation player during the championship years cemented his place in Bulls lore.
Transition to broadcasting shaped second career
After retiring from professional basketball, King embarked on a broadcasting career that would define his legacy for a new generation of fans. He began his work behind the microphone in 2006, joining CSN Chicago and later the Chicago Sports Network. Over nearly two decades, King became known for his energetic style, candid commentary and memorable catchphrases that resonated with viewers. His broadcasts were characterized by genuine enthusiasm and an insider’s perspective that only a former player could provide. King’s ability to break down plays while maintaining an entertaining rapport with his broadcast partners made him a fan favorite. His voice became synonymous with Bulls basketball for audiences who experienced the team’s post-Jordan era through his commentary.
Tributes highlight personal connection and passion
Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf released a statement emphasizing King’s unique role within the organization. He described King as a cherished member of the Bulls family whose connection to Chicago spanned three decades. Reinsdorf noted that King served as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans. The chairman said the organization would miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and passion he brought every day. Team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf added that King loved being a Bull, and that love was evident in everything he did. He praised King’s unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal to viewers.
- Selected sixth overall by Chicago in 1989 NBA Draft
- Won three consecutive championships from 1990 to 1993
- Played 438 career NBA games with five different teams
- Began broadcasting career in 2006 with CSN Chicago
- Served as Bulls broadcaster for nearly two decades
Impact extended beyond the broadcast booth
Michael Reinsdorf emphasized in his statement that King had an energy and love for the game that came through in every broadcast, helping fans feel connected to the team regardless of wins and losses. Whether through a broadcast, a conversation or a photo with a fan, King made people feel seen and valued according to the team president. The organization considered him not only as a player and broadcaster but as a friend who genuinely cared about people. His approachable personality and willingness to engage with fans at games, community events and through social media created a bond that transcended his on-air duties. King’s impact on the Bulls organization and its fanbase will remain part of the franchise’s history, with his voice and personality remembered as integral to the team’s identity during an important era of Chicago basketball.
