Chicago Bulls legend Stacey King dies at 59
The Chicago Bulls announced the death of Stacey King on Sunday, with ownership tributes highlighting his decades-long connection to the franchise as both a player and voice of the team.
The Chicago Bulls confirmed on Sunday that Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion and long-serving broadcaster, has died at the age of 59. The announcement was accompanied by statements from team ownership, which praised King’s enduring influence on the organisation’s history and culture.
Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf described King as a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the most unique personalities in the franchise’s history. Reinsdorf noted that King’s connection to Chicago, the team, and its fans spanned more than three decades, beginning with his playing career and continuing through his role as the voice of Bulls broadcasts for generations of viewers.
Team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf echoed these sentiments, stating that King’s passion was evident in both his gameplay and his commentary. He highlighted King’s ability to connect personally with fans and bring people together, asserting that the former player’s impact and legacy would remain an integral part of the Chicago Bulls forever.
King was selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft out of the University of Oklahoma. He played all 82 games as a rookie, coming off the bench to average 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while playing alongside Michael Jordan. He was a key contributor to the Bulls’ run of three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993.
Over the course of an eight-season NBA career, King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Following his initial success with Chicago, he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks. After retiring from playing, he served as head coach of the Rockford Lightning in the Continental Basketball Association during the 2001-02 season.
The specific cause of King’s death has not been disclosed in the available reporting. The Chicago Bulls have not provided further details regarding the timeline of his passing beyond the date of the announcement.
