Stacey King, the three-time NBA champion who defined a generation of Chicago Bulls basketball both on the court and behind the microphone, died Sunday at age 59. The team announced the news, though a cause of death was not provided. King, a standout at Oklahoma, spent 19 seasons as a beloved broadcaster.
A Legacy Defined by Three Championships and Decades on the Air
Photo: The New York Times
Stacey King’s professional life was inextricably linked to the Chicago Bulls, spanning more than three decades in two distinct roles. After being selected with the No. 6 overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft, King became a reliable bench presence during the franchise’s historic first three-peat. According to The New York Times, he averaged 6.7 points and 3.2 rebounds across his first four seasons, playing a supporting role for Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during the championship runs of 1991, 1992, and 1993.
Following his playing career, which included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks, King returned to the Bulls organization in a different capacity. In 2006, he transitioned to broadcasting, eventually becoming an Emmy-winning television analyst. For the past 19 seasons, he served as the voice of Bulls basketball, famously hosting the “Gimme the Hot Sauce” podcast and bringing an unmistakable energy to the team’s broadcasts.
Reflections from Bulls Leadership
Photo: Fox News
The Bulls organization mourned King’s passing with high-level tributes from both Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf. The statements highlighted not just his statistical contributions, but his ability to connect with the fanbase.
“Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history. 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.”Jerry Reinsdorf, Chairman of the Chicago Bulls, via Chicago Sun-Times
Michael Reinsdorf emphasized that King’s impact extended beyond the studio, noting his genuine care for the people he encountered. As reported by Fox News, the CEO noted that King had a unique gift for making every fan feel valued, whether through a brief conversation or a shared photo.
“Stacey loved being a Bull. 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. 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.”Michael Reinsdorf, President and CEO of the Chicago Bulls, via Fox News
From Oklahoma Stardom to Professional Recognition
Remembering Stacey King 🐂🏀 Chicago Bulls Legend Passes Away at 59
Before his professional success in Chicago, King established himself as a dominant collegiate force. A native of Lawton, Oklahoma, he played four years for the Sooners under coach Billy Tubbs. His college career culminated in a 1988 national title game appearance, where he scored 17 points in a loss to the Kansas Jayhawks. By his senior season, he led the Big Eight in both scoring and blocks, earning First-Team All-American honors. His legacy at the university was solidified when his jersey was retired on Jan. 19, 2008.
King’s career path was marked by significant transitions. After leaving the Bulls in a 1993-94 trade for Luc Longley, he navigated the league for several years before finding his true calling in the broadcast booth. Between his playing retirement and his long-term role with the Bulls, he also spent time in coaching, including a stint as the head coach of the Rockford Lightning, where he led the team to the CBA title game in the 2001-02 season.
Honoring a Unique Voice
Photo: Chicago Sun-Times
As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming season, the organization has indicated that plans are underway to honor King’s life and legacy. While specific details were not released as of Sunday, the team confirmed that further announcements regarding tributes would be shared soon. The loss leaves a void for a fanbase that grew up hearing King’s calls, which were often punctuated by his signature energy and catchphrases.
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
