3-time NBA champion dead at 59: ‘We will miss him deeply’
The news was released through a statement by the organization.
The basketball community is mourning the loss of Stacey King, the three-time NBA champion who evolved from a key player for the Chicago Bulls into a beloved fixture on the franchise’s broadcast team. King passed away at the age of 59, according to a Sunday announcement from the organization.
A Legacy Defined by Loyalty
While the team confirmed his passing, no official cause of death has been released. Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf honored King's lasting impact, noting that his influence spanned over three decades. "Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history," Reinsdorf said. "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 that he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day," the statement continued.
From the Court to the Booth
King’s journey with the Bulls began after he was selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA draft out of Oklahoma. He famously played a supporting role alongside Michael Jordan, contributing to the franchise's historic run of three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993, during which he averaged 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Across an eight-season professional career, King also spent time with the Heat, Timberwolves, Celtics, and Mavericks, maintaining career averages of 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Following his playing days, his transition into broadcasting cemented his status as a fan favorite.
"Stacey loved being a Bull," said team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf. "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."
205focus.com notes that reporting from The Associated Press contributed to this piece.