Former NBA big man Stacey King, who won three championships as a role player with the Bulls during his eight years in the league, has died at age 59, the team announced in a press release.
King was a longtime and beloved Bulls broadcaster known for his humor, enthusiasm, and generally objective views — he often credited the opposing team for playing well when warranted. His time with the organizations spanned more than three decades, per the statement.
“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,” said president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf. “He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal. He brought an energy and love for the game that came through in every broadcast, helping fans feel connected to our team. 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.”
The Bulls selected King with the sixth overall pick of the 1989 draft. He spent parts of five seasons in Chicago to open his career and had stints with Minnesota, Miami, Boston and Dallas at the end of his NBA playing career.
The left-handed big man was a star in college at Oklahoma, where he was from. King was a Consensus first-team All-America selection as a senior for the Sooners in 1988/89.
We at Hoops Rumors send our condolences to King’s family and friends.
Tragic. I texted everyone I know just now and the sentiment is all the same. Stacey was a legend in this city. Was even discussing KAT last night at 952pm on twitter. Rest easy Stacey. This is as shocking as a passing we will see within this organization.
Thank you Stacey for the memories.
Just when hopefully things were about to turn better hopefully. Tragic is a good word for it alright.
I really hope they do better than Kendall Gill to replace him. That would be equally tragic. It’s hard enough watching him on the pre and post game shows.
Absolutely agree Raz. Well said. ❤️🙏✨
RIP. He was always fun to listen to. This is truly tragic
OMG. Stacey was a bit over the top but the article is right he called it like he saw it and didn’t hesitate to call out the Bulls when they sunk which was a lot lately. RIP to a great guy and player. So sad. It was hard lately to make the Bulls sound entertaining but he was great at it.
Only thing I’ll say about Stacey is that he never criticized his bosses. I still remember him saying signing of Chris Duarte from two years ago will be impactful. It makes me laugh now.
Can’t blame him for that. People like to get paid and that’s a quick way to get fired. Even if they deserved it, Which they did.
Man, that is awful. I’ve caught a bunch of Bulls games and Stacey was always fun to listen to. He was always ready to give credit to opposing teams players and was fun and fair. Man has had to see some terrible basketball but was entertaining. RIP.
What a gut punch. I will miss Stacey immensely as a great representative of Chicago and a world class announcer. My condolences go out to Stacey’s family, friends, and whoever has to try to replace him in the booth.
Rest easy, big fella!
What a shame. There will never be amother Stacey King. He made a lot of bad Bulls basketball watchable over the years, and had some of the best euphamisms of any announcer. Many years ago some friends and I got put into a Call of Duty lobby with him and ended up partying up with him for an hour or so. You would have thought he knew us for years bu how easily he just meshed.
RIP big fella, you will be missed.
Wow that is so hard to take. Stacy was in his prime, he was so much fun to listen to, he brought so much joy to Bulls games. I will miss him terribly.
I guess he finally went to meet Elizabeth.
He gave us the hot sauce
mouse in the house, free cheese
too big too strong too fast too good
bang bang bang
drive home safely chicago, beep beep
Truly heartbreaking. May his spirit rest in peace, and live on in fellow bulls fans. Truly 1 of a kind guy. Legendary Broadcaster for sure.❤️🙏✨