Stacey King, Chicago Bulls Legend and Iconic Broadcaster, Dies at 59

Stacey King, the former NBA center who became one of basketball's most recognizable broadcasting voices, has died at 59. The Chicago Bulls announced his passing on Sunday, June 7, though the cause remains undisclosed.

King's connection to the Bulls organization spanned more than three decades. As a player, he helped deliver three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993, establishing himself as a key member of one of the franchise's most storied eras. Selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft, King played eight seasons in the league before transitioning to broadcasting.

His post-playing career proved equally impactful. Beginning with the 2006-07 season, King served as a commentator for Bulls television broadcasts, initially working as a studio analyst for pre- and post-game programming before filling in as a third commentator during the 2006 playoffs. He earned a permanent position during the 2007 season and became the lead color commentator alongside Neil Funk in 2008, a role he maintained through NBC Sports Chicago's closure in 2024. He subsequently joined Chicago Sports Network, where he continued in the same capacity through the 2025-26 season.

Over his broadcasting tenure, King became known for his distinctive personality, energetic delivery, and creative player nicknames and catchphrases that resonated with fans across generations.

"Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization's history," Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "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 that he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day."