The world bid farewell to a basketball legend on June 7, 2026, as Stacey King passed away.
WASHINGTON — Stacey King, a cherished figure both on and off the court, has had the circumstances surrounding his death unveiled. Known for clinching three NBA championships with the iconic Chicago Bulls lineup, King later endeared audiences as a spirited broadcaster.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office in Illinois has confirmed that King succumbed to hypertensive cardiovascular disease. While obesity contributed to his condition, his passing was classified as natural.
A standout from the outset, King was the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA draft, chosen by the Chicago Bulls.
During a golden era for the Bulls, King made his mark by earning the NBA All-Rookie Second Team accolade in 1990. He played a pivotal role in securing three successive championships from 1991 to 1993, sharing the court with basketball titan Michael Jordan.
King was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1994 and played with several other franchises, including the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, until he left the NBA in 1997.
King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in an eight-season playing career.
King went on to coach for a couple of years before becoming a television studio analyst and color commentator.