The team's color commentator played five seasons in the Windy City from 1989 to 1994.
The Chicago Bulls announced on Sunday afternoon that longtime television broadcaster Stacey King, who won three championships as a player for the team in the 1990s, has passed away. He was 59 years old.
King's death sends shockwaves through the Bulls community. He was a mainstay on Chicago's broadcast team for 20 years, largely as the color commentator for NBC Sports Chicago and Chicago Sports Network.
"Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization's history," owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "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."
Chicago's first-round draft pick in 1989 spent five years with the team as a contributor to the Bulls' 1991, 1992 and 1993 NBA Championships before rounding out his playing career with the Timberwolves, Heat, Mavericks and Celtics.
King played 344 of his 438 NBA games for the Bulls, averaging 6.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.
Following his retirement and a short stint as a coach, King joined the Bulls' broadcast team in 2006 and quickly rose to prominence as the team's color analyst. He garnered love from Bulls fans everywhere for his excitement on calls, witty catchphrases and unique nicknames for the players he covered.
“Stacey loved being a Bull," team president Michael Reinsdorf said. "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. 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."
King is survived by his sons Erick, Garrett, Brandon and Mason.
