Tribute to Stacey King
The Chicago Bulls family is mourning the loss of Stacey King, an integral figure who not only contributed to the team’s remarkable journey as a three-time NBA champion but also found great success as a broadcaster afterward. King passed away at the age of 59, though details regarding the circumstances of his death have not been disclosed.
In a heartfelt message, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf acknowledged King’s unique personality and the profound impact he had on both the franchise and its passionate fan base over the course of more than thirty years. He expressed, “Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family, whose joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion will be missed by all.”
Career Highlights
Standing at 6-foot-11, King established himself as a forward/center during his eight-season NBA career, which included tenures with several teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks. However, it was his time with the Bulls where he truly shone. Selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft after an impressive college career at Oklahoma, King made an immediate impact in his rookie season, completing all 82 games and averaging nearly 9 points and 5 rebounds. He was part of the Bulls’ dynasty alongside legends like Michael Jordan, winning three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993.
Reflecting on King’s connection to the team, Bulls team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf remarked, “Stacey loved being a Bull. You could feel it in everything he did.”
King’s transition from player to commentator allowed him to connect with a new generation of fans, as he spent over twenty years broadcasting Bulls games, where his enthusiasm and signature phrases captivated audiences. Recently, on his podcast “Gimme the Hot Sauce,” King expressed his passion for his role, stating that work never felt burdensome as he thrived in every game he called.
Michael McCarthy, president and CEO of the Chicago Sports Network, celebrated King’s extraordinary ability to bridge generations of fans through his basketball insights and engaging personality, saying, “He made every game more enjoyable and every broadcast better.”
Legacy and Impact
Before his NBA tenure, King contributed to Oklahoma’s basketball excellence, leading them to the national title game in the 1987-88 season, where they faced Kansas. In his following year, he earned first-team All-America honors and was named the Big Eight Player of the Year, showcasing a remarkable average of 26 points per game. The University of Oklahoma commemorated King’s legacy by retiring his jersey number, 33, in 2008.
After hanging up his sneakers, King further remained involved in the sport by taking on the role of head coach for the Rockford Lightning in the Continental Basketball Association during the 2001-02 season. King’s legacy, marked by his deep connection to the Chicago Bulls, will endure, touching countless lives and fans of the sport.
