Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and a longtime broadcaster for the team, died Sunday at age 59, the Bulls said [1, 2]. King was selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft by the Bulls from the University of Oklahoma [1, 2]. He played a key role in Chicago's first three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993 [1, 2].
King appeared in 438 NBA games over his career and averaged 6.4 points per game [2]. After leaving Chicago, he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks [2].
Following his playing career, King began working as a Bulls broadcaster around 2006, serving as a studio host and color commentator [1, 2]. He became known for his humorous personality, including a famous comment recalling how he and Michael Jordan scored 70 combined points in a game during his rookie season [1].
Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf praised King as "a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization's history." Reinsdorf said King's "connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades" and that the organization will "miss him deeply" [1].
Michael Reinsdorf, Bulls president, said King "had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal." He added, "Whether it was through a broadcast, a conversation or a photo with a fan, Stacey made people feel seen and valued. We were fortunate to know him not only as a player and broadcaster, but as a friend" [2].
No cause of death has been disclosed [1]. The Bulls' announcement marked the end of a career that spanned decades as both a player and broadcaster.
King was drafted in June 1989, won NBA titles from 1991 to 1993, and began broadcasting in 2006 [1, 2]. The team has not announced any memorial plans yet.
