CHICAGO — Stacey King, renowned for his role as a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and later beloved as a broadcaster for the team, has passed away at the age of 59, according to an announcement made by the team on Sunday.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
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“Stacey King was a treasured member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” stated Jerry Reinsdorf, the Bulls owner and chairman. “His bond with Chicago, the Bulls, and our fans extended over more than three decades—initially as a player and subsequently as the unforgettable voice that brought Bulls basketball into the homes of countless fans across generations. We will deeply miss him and cherish the joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion he infused into our organization, broadcasts, and fans every day.”
ABC7 caught up with King’s friend, Ike White, on Sunday to reflect on the loss.
“Not too long ago, I spoke with him, and we had made plans for the summer. We intended to enjoy some shrimp and have a great summer together. Then, this morning, while I was driving, his son called to inform me that Stacey had passed away. It was completely unexpected,” White shared.
It is remarkable to look back on the legacy King has left on this franchise and city, both on the court and in the broadcast booth.
And of course, there is the personality and talent that he brought to that Bulls dynasty team in the 1990s.
ABC7 also caught up with our former sports anchor, Jim Rose, who had a front-row seat to King’s career over the years. He shared just how special he was.
“Stacey King was an icon as far as a broadcaster is concerned, and one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. I’m so saddened to hear of his loss like that. He is one of the greatest basketball analysts that I’ve ever heard in my long career, and he will be missed,” Rose said.
King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in an eight-season playing career that later included stops with the Timberwolves, Heat, Celtics and Mavericks.
It was the start of his professional career with the Bulls, however, where King had his most success. The sixth overall pick in the 1989 draft out of Oklahoma, King 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 as the Bulls reeled off three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993.
“Stacey loved being a Bull,” team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement. ” You could feel it in everything he did — the way he played, the way he called games, and the way he connected with our fans. He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal… Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better. We will miss him dearly, and his impact, memory and legacy will remain part of the Chicago Bulls forever.”
Following his playing career, King went into coaching, taking a job as the head coach of the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association for the 2001-02 season.
ABC7 crews have seen some people stop by the United Center on Sunday, and there likely will be more flowers and honorary items to add in coming days.
Chicago Sports Network issued a statement from President and CEO Michael McCarthy, saying, “Stacey King was one of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports. As a three-time NBA champion, he helped build the legacy of the Chicago Bulls. As a broadcaster, he brought that same passion, authenticity, and unmistakable personality into the homes of fans for nearly two decades. Stacey had a unique ability to connect generations of Bulls fans. Whether through his basketball insight, his humor, or his unforgettable calls, he made every game more enjoyable and every broadcast better. We are deeply grateful that Stacey was part of the Chicago Sports Network family and the Bulls broadcast team. His impact on this city, this franchise, and our network will be felt for years to come. On behalf of everyone at CHSN, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Stacey’s family, friends, teammates, and the countless fans whose lives he touched.”
The NBA issued a statement, saying, “The NBA family mourns the passing of Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion and longtime Chicago Bulls television analyst. Stacey made his mark on the game as a player, coach and commentator. For more than 20 years on Bulls broadcasts, his passion, knowledge and unmistakable energy resonated with generations of fans. We extend our deepest condolences to Stacey’s family and friends and the Bulls organization.”
ESPN contributed to this report.
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