The Chicago Bulls honored former player and longtime broadcaster Stacey King with a moment of silence before Wednesday's 124-117 exhibition win at the United Center over the Phoenix Suns, giving fans, media and players a chance to reflect on his legacy.

One such player was Buddy Hield, who came to Chicago just before the season in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets for former Bulls guard Rob Dillingham. Both Hield and King attended the University of Oklahoma before being drafted to the NBA. 

The NBA veteran spoke fondly about King as he remembered his legacy with his current team and the impact he had on the league. 

Hield was reminded of King's college career with the Oklahoma Sooners and asked to give his thoughts on the Bulls legend's passing. King started doing Bulls broadcasts in 2006-07. He passed away at age 59 due to cardiovascular disease in June 2026. 

"Every time I was at Oklahoma I would always see Stacey come to the alumni events and he would always say what's up, he was always a bundle of joy to be around, he was always outgoing," Hield said to Gavin Dorsey of Roundtable Sports. 

"And you know, I heard the news this summer and I was just sad...I was just in shock, for a person that is not with us no more. It's difficult, rest in peace, you know, for him and his family, it's sad, him not being here, especially like, me coming here, sometimes I would come in the building and Stacey, I would always see him here. 

"My heart, and my thoughts go out to his family, and hopefully he can rest in peace, and his legacy (will) live on forever." 

Hield and King had remarkably similar careers in Norman, Oklahoma with the Sooners. Both played four seasons, becoming among the top scorers in the nation by the time their senior seasons hit. 

Both were taken in the top ten of their respective NBA drafts; Hield was selected sixth in the 2016 NBA Draft and King was selected 6th in the 1989 NBA Draft. 

Hield averaged 25 points per during his final season with the Sooners; King averaged 26 points per game. 

Hield was traded to the Bulls this offseason with ten years of NBA experience under his belt but hasn't won an NBA championship yet. King won three championships with the Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen-led Bulls.

The Bulls' new veteran shooting guard arrives with far less than championship expectations for year one, and will join a youthful team with hope for a playoff run. If Hield can provide solid minutes for coach Tiago Splitter's young team and help the Bulls to secure a winning record, that will help honor King's legacy as well as anything else in his first season in the Windy City.