The Chicago Bulls announced Sunday that eight-year NBA veteran and longtime broadcaster Stacey King died at the age of 59.
King started his playing career with the Bulls in 1989. He was with the team for five seasons and was part of their first three-peat in the 1990s alongside legends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
The three-time champion also had spells with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics.
“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. “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.”
King made a total of 438 appearances in the NBA, averaging 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.
Younger fans know King primarily through his work on the broadcast table. He first joined the Bulls’ television crew in 2006-07 and became the primary color commentator in 2008.
The organization has experienced a lot of peaks and valleys on the court since then. Anybody who watched their broadcasts at least knew King would deliver.
King and play-by-plan man Adam Amin generally received high marks together.
Prior to making the leap to the NBA, King had a decorated college career at Oklahoma. A first-team All-American and the Big Eight Player of the Year for 1988-89, the Sooners have his No. 33 jersey hanging in the rafters of Lloyd Noble Center.
