3-Time NBA Champ and Longtime Bulls Broadcaster Stacey King Dies at 59

Stacey King, former NBA player and longtime broadcaster for the Chicago Bulls, died on Sunday at age 59, the team announced.

The Bulls did not immediately disclose a cause of death. Tributes began pouring in from team officials, the basketball community, former players and broadcasters alike.

“Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” said Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf 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.”

A standout prospect from the University of Oklahoma, King rose to NBA fame in 1989 when he was selected as the sixth overall draft pick by the Chicago Bulls.

In his eight-year career, he played five seasons with the Bulls alongside Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and other prominent names. He helped the Bulls secure three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 1993.

“Stacey loved being a Bull,” said Bulls President and CEO Michael Reinsdorf in a statement. “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.”

In 1994, King was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves and later played for the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, appearing in more than 500 games before his retirement in 1997.

“Stacey had a unique ability to connect generations of Bulls fans,” said Chicago Sports Network President and CEO Michael McCarthy. “Whether through his basketball insight, his humor, or his unforgettable calls, he made every game more enjoyable and every broadcast better.”

King remained closely involved in basketball through coaching and as a television analyst—he spent more than two decades commentating on Bulls games.

“Stacey made his mark on the game as a player, coach and commentator,” the NBA said in a statement. “For more than 20 years on Bulls broadcasts, his passion, knowledge and unmistakable energy resonated with generations of fans.”

King is survived by his wife, Debi King, and his four sons, Erick, Garrett, Brandon and Mason, from a previous relationship.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.