Former NBA Champion and Michael Jordan Teammate Passes Away at 59

Stacey King, who won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and became a cherished television broadcaster for the team, has died at the age of 59.

The tragic announcement was made on Sunday afternoon by NBA Insider Shams Charania, leaving the basketball world in mourning. The cause of his death has not been revealed yet.

King was instrumental in the Bulls’ 1990s era of success, having been selected as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft. He was part of the team during its peak before moving to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 1993–94 season.

Throughout his eight-year NBA career, King played a vital role, partnering with legends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during the Bulls’ triumphant championship seasons in 1991, 1992, and 1993.

After his time on the court, King’s legacy only grew as he became a beloved commentator, capturing the hearts of a new audience through his work on Bulls TV broadcasts.

Tributes have already begun pouring in from heartbroken fans online, who are mourning the tragic loss of a franchise icon.

Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and a beloved longtime television broadcaster for the franchise, has passed away at the age of 59

King played eight seasons in the league and played alongside Bulls legend Michael Jordan during the Bulls’ historic 1991, 1992 and 1993 championship runs

King stayed with the franchise during their most dominant period, before being traded to the Timberwolves during the 1993–94 campaign

In a statement, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said: ‘Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history.

‘His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades – first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans. 

‘We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.’

Meanwhile, team president and COO Michael Reinsdorf said: ‘Stacey loved being a Bull. 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. 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. Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better. We will miss him dearly, and his impact, memory and legacy will remain a part of the Chicago Bulls forever.’

During his eight-season playing career – that included stops with the Timberwolves, Heat, Celtics and Mavericks – King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.

While his playing career cemented his place in Chicago folklore, King found a new generation of fans in his post-playing career – as a commentator for Bulls TV broadcasts

However, it was the start of his career with the Bulls were he found most his success. 

King played all 82 games as a rookie, after being the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft, coming off the bench to earn NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.

He averaged 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while playing alongside Michael Jordan as the Bulls reeled off three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993.

King later went into coaching, taking a job as the head coach of the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association for the 2001-02 season.