The Chicago Bulls confirmed the death of Stacey King this Sunday. The former player and team commentator was 59 years old. King was a member of the teams that won three consecutive NBA titles between 1991 and 1993. He played alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The organization was notified by the family and has not released the cause of death at this time.
King entered the NBA selected sixth overall in the 1989 draft out of the University of Oklahoma. His first full seasons with the Chicago Bulls coincided with the beginning of the Phil Jackson-led dynasty. After eight years as a professional, with stints with other teams, he returned to Chicago for a second remarkable career in broadcasting.
King was part of the Bulls’ title dynasty
Stacey King played 514 games in his regular NBA career. He contributed to the Chicago Bulls’ first three championship rings in the 1990s. The team won the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991, the Portland Trail Blazers in 1992 and the Phoenix Suns in 1993.
- Career average of 7.7 points per game
- 3.9 rebounds per game
- Participation in 60 finals games from 1991 to 1993
After leaving the court, King became a television commentator for the Chicago Bulls starting in the 2006-07 season. His lively voice and striking catchphrases won over generations of fans. He received an Emmy for his broadcast work. Announcer Jerry Reinsdorf, owner and president of the team, highlighted the connection of more than three decades with the franchise.
Career as a player included stints with several teams
After the glory years in Chicago, King wore the jerseys of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. He ended his athletic career in 1997. Returning to the Bulls organization as part of the broadcast team cemented his presence in fans’ memories.
King was born on January 29, 1967, in Lawton, Oklahoma. He has always maintained a strong connection with Chicago. The commentator participated in team podcasts and events, maintaining enthusiasm even outside of broadcasts. Fans flooded social media with tributes celebrating both the player and the narrator.
Reactions from the NBA and the basketball world
The news of Stacey King’s death generated immediate commotion. The Chicago Bulls published an official statement expressing regret. Other teams, players and personalities from the league paid tribute online. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, teammates, mourned the loss of an important member of the franchise’s history.
The lack of details about the cause of death led to initial speculation, but the family and team have chosen not to release additional information for now. Reports indicate that King was found at his residence in River Forest, Illinois. An autopsy was scheduled to clarify the facts.
Legacy goes beyond the courts and broadcast booths
Stacey King left a mark both for her contributions on the court and her energy in her narrations. His comments full of humor and passion transformed the broadcasts into a closer experience for fans. He has helped keep the connection between the Chicago Bulls and their fan base alive over two decades.
The team has not yet announced plans for official tributes. The NBA season is still underway, but King’s death represents a significant loss for the Chicago basketball community. Fans remember iconic moments, such as memorable calls in important games and constant dedication to the team.
Career summarized in numbers and milestones
King accumulates more than 4 thousand points in the NBA throughout his career. His most productive phase came in the years with the Chicago Bulls. As a commentator, he was present at hundreds of televised games, always with the same enthusiasm. Legacy combines collective achievements with the ability to tell basketball stories in an accessible way.
The Chicago Bulls ended the statement by reinforcing King’s role as part of the organization’s family. The voice that echoed for years on broadcasts leaves a void that is difficult to fill. Fans and colleagues continue to pay public tributes in the hours following the announcement.