Stacey King, the former NBA forward who secured three championships with the Chicago Bulls and later transitioned into a prominent broadcasting career, has died at the age of 59. The Chicago Bulls organization confirmed the passing of the former player, whose professional journey spanned from the heights of the 1990s NBA dynasty to stints in international basketball and a tenure as a team commentator.
A Career Defined by the Chicago Bulls Dynasty
Selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, King became a fixture of the franchise’s early success. He contributed to the team’s initial “three-peat,” serving as a member of the rotation during the championship seasons of 1991, 1992, and 1993. Over his four-and-a-half seasons in Chicago, King played alongside Michael Jordan, a partnership that produced one of the most enduring anecdotes in team lore. On March 28, 1990, after Jordan scored a career-high 69 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers and King contributed one point, the rookie famously quipped: “I’ll always remember this as the night that Michael Jordan and I combined to score 70 points.”
NBA Journey and International Experience
Following his time in Chicago, King’s career took him to several other NBA franchises, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he recorded one of his most productive statistical stretches, averaging 11.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game during his debut season with the club. His professional path also included stints with the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks. As his NBA career concluded in the mid-1990s, King sought opportunities abroad, playing for the Italian club Aresium Milano. His extensive basketball resume also featured time with domestic teams outside the NBA, such as the Grand Rapids Hoops and the Sioux Falls Skyforce, as well as an international tenure with Atenas de Córdoba in Argentina.
Transition to Broadcasting
Beyond his playing days, King remained a familiar presence to basketball fans through his work as a commentator for the Chicago Bulls. Known for his distinctive style and humor, he became a central voice in the team’s media coverage, reflecting the same personality that had earned him recognition among teammates and fans during his playing career. While the basketball community continues to mourn his passing, details regarding the cause of his death remain unconfirmed.
As the sports world remembers his legacy, the Chicago Bulls have not yet announced further public memorials or tributes. Fans and colleagues continue to share reflections on his impact as both a teammate and a broadcaster.
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