Jordan pays tribute to King as Bulls organisation marks passing of three-time champion
The Chicago Bulls announced the death of former forward and broadcaster Stacey King on Sunday, prompting a public response from Michael Jordan on Monday.
Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan has issued a statement expressing that he was “deeply saddened” by the death of former teammate Stacey King. The Chicago Bulls organisation announced King’s passing on Sunday, 7 June 2026, confirming that the former forward died at the age of 59 following a fall at his home.
In a statement released on Monday, Jordan honoured King, noting that they shared special years together as part of the group that helped define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball. “My thoughts are with Stacey’s family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched,” Jordan said in the tribute.
King was selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft by the Bulls. He served primarily as a reserve player during the team’s first three consecutive NBA championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993. His role on the court evolved during this period, with his playoff minutes increasing from nearly eight per game in the early 1990s to 12.1 minutes and 4.1 points per game during the 1992-93 playoffs.
The Bulls traded King to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1994 in exchange for Luc Longley and a draft pick. This transaction meant King was not part of the franchise’s second three-peat, with Longley effectively assuming the role King had previously held.
Following his playing career, King returned to the Bulls organisation in 2006 as a colour commentator. He served in this capacity for nearly two decades, becoming a familiar voice in Chicago alongside broadcast partners including Adam Amin. Jordan and King were both in attendance at the Bulls’ 20th-anniversary celebration of the 1991 championship in 2011.
