Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and a longtime Bulls TV broadcaster, has died at 59. The Bulls confirmed his passing on Sunday, with his cause of death not yet confirmed, as tributes flooded in from fans and across the basketball
The news landed hard on Sunday afternoon, just as Chicago fans were settling into their day: Stacey King had died at the age of 59.
King’s passing was confirmed by NBA Insider Shams Charania, and it immediately sent shockwaves through the basketball community and the Bulls fanbase. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
To people in Chicago, King wasn’t a former player you only remembered in highlights. He was part of the franchise’s heartbeat across decades—first on the court during the Bulls’ unforgettable 1990s run. then later as a familiar voice on Bulls TV broadcasts. bringing the game into homes and keeping a personal touch to every night’s coverage.
In 1989, King entered the league as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft. He stayed with the Bulls through the heart of their dominance, anchoring the paint alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during the Bulls’ historic championship runs in 1991, 1992 and 1993.
He played eight seasons in the league, and his time with Chicago bookended one of the most defining eras in franchise history. King remained with the Bulls during their most dominant period before joining the Timberwolves from the 1993–94 campaign.
In the years that followed his playing career, King found a new generation of fans as a commentator for Bulls TV broadcasts. The role made him more than a remembered champion. It turned him into a constant—one that fans grew used to hearing.
That’s why the tributes arrived so fast. On social media, fans wrote about the feeling of watching Bulls games without King’s presence. One user on X said. “Bulls games with no Stacey King doesn’t even sound right man. I’m so hurt rn [right now].” Another added: “Breaks my heart. Stacey King was a legend on the mic… Definition of irreplaceable. Nicest guy ever as well meeting him in person. Rest in peace legend.”.
The Bulls responded quickly with words that matched the scale of his place in the organization. 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.”
Reinsdorf continued, “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.”
He added: “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.”
Team president and COO Michael Reinsdorf also spoke to the personal bond King carried into every part of his work. “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 said.
Michael Reinsdorf said King 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. He added: “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.”.
On the court, King’s early impact is part of why Chicago holds him in such high regard. As a rookie, King played all 82 games after being selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft. He earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors after coming off the bench. 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.
Across his eight-season playing career, King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds. After leaving the Bulls, he played for the Timberwolves, Heat, Celtics and Mavericks.
After basketball, King also moved into coaching. He took a job as head coach of the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association for the 2001-02 season.
The sequence of King’s life inside and around the Bulls is hard to miss: he was there for the championships. and later he returned in a new role—calling games and carrying the franchise’s voice into fans’ everyday routines. Now. with his death at 59. Chicago is facing the loss of a figure who didn’t just watch the Bulls from the past. He remained part of them in the present.
Stacey King Chicago Bulls NBA champion Bulls TV Michael Jordan Scottie Pippen 1989 NBA Draft Timberwolves Heat Celtics Mavericks Rockford Lightning Continental Basketball Association
59 is way too young man. Bulls won and he still got taken, just feels wrong.
Wait I thought Stacey King was like way older? I guess I’m mixing him up with somebody else. Also they don’t know the cause yet?? that part always makes it feel weird.
If he was a TV broadcaster then he was probably healthy… unless it’s some like heart thing, idk. Bulls really are cursed after the 90s run like everyones falling apart.
I remember his voice on Bulls TV more than his actual playing, so it hit me hard. He was there when Jordan/Pippen stuff was still in everyone’s head. Hate that they’re saying cause of death not confirmed yet—people gonna start guessing anyway. RIP Stacey King, hope his family is okay.