Stacey King, three-time NBA champion and Bulls broadcaster, dead at 59
Article excerpt
Stacey King, the three-time NBA champion who became the voice of the Chicago Bulls, died at 59. The former center, drafted sixth overall in 1989 out of Oklahoma, won championships with Chicago in 1991, 1992, and 1993 alongside Michael Jordan before transitioning to broadcasting. King's distinctive commentary made him a fixture in Bulls broadcasts for decades, earning him a devoted following among fans who tuned in as much for his infectious enthusiasm as for the game itself. His death marks the loss of a key figure who bridged the franchise's championship era and modern fan culture.
Stacey King on March 21, 2022; Stacey King in 1991 Credit: Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty; Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
Former Chicago Bulls star Stacey King has died at the age of 59
The former No. 6 overall NBA Draft pick helped the Bulls win three consecutive championships alongside Michael Jordan
After retiring, King became a beloved voice of Bulls basketball
Stacey King, the former Chicago Bulls player who won three NBA championships before becoming one of the franchise's most recognizable broadcasters, has died. He was 59.
The Bulls announced King's death on Sunday, June 7. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
“Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization's history,” Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement shared on the team's official Facebook page.
Stacey King playing in Bulls game against the Milwaukee Bucks in 1990 Credit: Focus on Sport/Getty
“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,” he continued.
Reinsdorf added: “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.”
"Stacey loved being a Bull," Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf said in the same statement. "He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal."
King was selected by the Bulls with the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft after a standout collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned consensus All-American honors, per ESPN.
The University of Oklahoma retired King's No. 33 jersey in 2008.
Stacey King receives his commemorative plaque in Chicago on March 12, 2011 Credit: Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty
Playing alongside Michael Jordan, the 6-foot-11 center was a member of the Bulls teams that captured three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 1993. King later played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks before retiring from the NBA in 1997, per NBA.com.
Though King enjoyed a successful playing career, many fans came to know him through his work in the broadcast booth.
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After briefly coaching following his retirement, King joined the Bulls' broadcast team in the mid-2000s and spent nearly two decades calling games.
His energetic style made him a fan favorite and one of the most recognizable voices in Chicago sports.
Among his best-known expressions were "Gimme the hot sauce!" and "Sriracha!", phrases that became synonymous with big Bulls moments and endeared him to generations of fans.
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