Anshari Taslim
Chicago, Illinois – Stacey King, a pivotal member of the Chicago Bulls’ historic first three-peat championship teams and a beloved voice of the franchise for two decades, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the age of 59. The news was confirmed by the team, which did not disclose a cause of death. King’s enduring legacy encompasses both his contributions on the court during a transformative era for the Bulls and his subsequent career as a revered television color commentator, where his distinctive humor and insightful analysis endeared him to multiple generations of fans.
Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the Chicago Bulls, issued a statement reflecting on King’s profound impact. "Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history," Reinsdorf stated. "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." Reinsdorf’s sentiments underscored the widespread affection for King, who seamlessly transitioned from a supportive player in the shadow of Michael Jordan to an integral part of the team’s media identity.
Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, King’s journey to professional basketball began with a standout collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma. Standing 6-foot-11, King played for the Sooners from 1985 to 1989, becoming one of the most dominant big men in the nation. His tenure culminated in a remarkable 1987-88 season, where he helped lead the Sooners to the NCAA national championship game. In a memorable contest, Oklahoma ultimately fell to Danny Manning and the Kansas Jayhawks, 83-79. Despite the loss, King’s performance throughout the tournament solidified his status as a top prospect.
His senior year, 1988-89, was particularly illustrious. King averaged an impressive 26.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, shooting 52.3% from the field. These statistics earned him widespread recognition, including the Big 8 Player of the Year award, a consensus First Team All-American selection, and the Sporting News Player of the Year honor. His exceptional college career positioned him as one of the most promising talents heading into the 1989 NBA Draft, a class that also featured future stars like Derrick Coleman, Sean Elliott, and Glen Rice.
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The Chicago Bulls selected King with the No. 6 overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft. At the time, the Bulls were a team on the cusp of greatness, having just concluded the 1988-89 season with a 47-35 record and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the formidable "Bad Boys" Detroit Pistons. Michael Jordan was firmly established as the league’s preeminent superstar, but the team sought additional pieces to overcome Detroit’s physical dominance and capture an NBA championship. King was expected to provide a strong interior presence and scoring punch.
In his rookie season, King appeared in all 82 games, averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds off the bench. His contributions earned him a spot on the 1990 All-Rookie Second Team, indicating a promising start to his professional career. While King did not evolve into the full-time starter or perennial All-Star that his college accolades might have suggested for a No. 6 overall pick, he carved out a crucial role as a rotational player for the Bulls during their historic first three-peat from 1991 to 1993. His minutes and scoring decreased as the team solidified its core with players like Horace Grant and Bill Cartwright, but his energy, rebounding, and physicality off the bench were valuable assets in the Bulls’ pursuit of championships. He played alongside legends such as Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Grant, and John Paxson, contributing to a dynasty that captivated the sports world.
One of King’s most enduring and humorous moments as a player occurred during his rookie season, on March 28, 1990, in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. That night, Michael Jordan delivered a career-high 69 points in an overtime victory. Following the game, King, displaying the quick wit that would later define his broadcasting career, famously quipped, "I’ll always remember this as the night that Michael Jordan and I combined to score 70 points." This self-deprecating remark instantly became iconic, highlighting King’s affable personality and his ability to find humor even in the shadow of unparalleled greatness, foreshadowing his natural talent for entertainment and analysis.
King’s tenure with the Bulls concluded at the trade deadline in 1994, during Michael Jordan’s first retirement. He was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Luc Longley and a second-round pick. Longley would go on to become the starting center for the Bulls during their second three-peat from 1996-1998, underscoring the strategic nature of King’s departure. King remained with the Timberwolves until 1995, then played a season with the Miami Heat before briefly appearing in games for the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks during the 1996-97 season, which marked the end of his NBA playing career.
Reflecting on his career path years later, King offered a philosophical perspective to ESPN in 2011. "If I would’ve gotten drafted by, say, the Clippers, I probably would’ve been an All-Star, scored a lot of points and never won anything," he remarked. "And I probably would’ve been frustrated because I love to win more than anything." This quote illuminated King’s genuine appreciation for his championship experiences with the Bulls, prioritizing team success over individual statistics, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the Chicago fanbase.
Following his NBA career, King continued to play professionally overseas in Turkey and Argentina, demonstrating his passion for the game. He also had a brief stint with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, then a part of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), a prominent developmental league at the time. His post-playing career then transitioned into coaching, where he led the Rockford Lightning, another CBA team, and later the Skyforce. These experiences provided him with a deeper understanding of the game from a strategic standpoint, which would prove invaluable in his subsequent career in broadcasting.
In 2006, King joined the Chicago Bulls’ television broadcast team, initially as a studio analyst. His natural charisma, encyclopedic knowledge of basketball, and unique ability to connect with viewers quickly became evident. He soon transitioned to the role of color commentator, where he would spend the next two decades, becoming a staple of Bulls broadcasts. King formed memorable partnerships with play-by-play announcers such as Bulls legend Johnny "Red" Kerr, Tom Dore, Neil Funk, and more recently, Adam Amin. His chemistry with Neil Funk, in particular, was widely celebrated, creating a beloved tandem that delivered both expert analysis and lighthearted entertainment.
King’s broadcasting style was characterized by his infectious enthusiasm, distinct catchphrases like "Gimme some nasty!" and "Too big, too strong, too good!", and his ability to articulate the nuances of the game while maintaining an accessible, fan-friendly tone. He possessed a rare blend of humor and candor, often injecting personal anecdotes from his playing days to illustrate points. His deep connection to the Bulls’ championship history provided a unique perspective, allowing him to bridge the gap between the franchise’s glorious past and its present.
In the same 2011 ESPN interview, King elaborated on his approach to broadcasting: "Basically, in a nutshell, I kind of say things a fan would say on the couch watching the Bulls game. There’s a lot of energy, a lot of fun and some spontaneity trying to capture the moment… All my stuff is instinctive. I don’t write it down and say, ‘Let me say that.’ It’s fun and the fans get a kick out of it, but I take my job seriously as an analyst. That’s what I do before anything." This philosophy underpinned his success, allowing him to be both an entertainer and a credible analyst, a rare combination in sports broadcasting.
Stacey King’s passing marks the end of an era for the Chicago Bulls. His journey from a promising college star to an NBA champion and then to an iconic voice of the franchise illustrates a multifaceted career dedicated to basketball. He leaves behind a legacy defined by his unwavering loyalty to the Bulls, his contributions to one of the most dominant dynasties in sports history, and his ability to bring joy and insight to millions of fans through his broadcasting. His absence will be deeply felt by the Bulls organization and the broader basketball community.
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