Stacey King, Chicago Bulls Legend and 3-Time NBA Champion, Dies at 59 Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and a beloved figure in the organization’s history, has died at the age of 59, the team announced on Sunday. The news came after King was found dead at his River Forest home, with an autopsy pending to determine the cause of death. Multiple reports indicated he fell at the scene, though details remain unclear. His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, teammates, and colleagues, who remember him as a cornerstone of the Bulls’ legacy both on and off the court. Bulls Owner and Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf described King as “a cherished member of the Bulls family” and highlighted his enduring connection to the team and its fans. “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,” Reinsdorf said in a statement. The Bulls’ tribute emphasized King’s role as a broadcaster, whose energetic and candid style made him a fan favorite. King’s friend, Ike White, shared a poignant account of his sudden loss. The two had been close for 30 years, and White expressed disbelief at the news. “We were gonna go have shrimp and just have a good summer,” he said, recalling their plans. “Then, this morning, I was driving, and his son called and told me that Stacey had passed. And that was totally unexpected.” White described King as a man who always wore a smile and loved the Bulls and Chicago, but now his voice and presence are gone. “Anytime I talked to him, we ended with ‘I love you’ and not to be able to say that anymore that hurts,” White added. The legacy of Stacey King extends far beyond his playing days.#chicago_bulls #jerry_reinsdorf #michael_reinsdorf #stacey_king #ike_white
Stacey King's Cause of Death Remains Undetermined as Tributes Pour In Chicago Bulls broadcaster and former NBA player Stacey King was pronounced dead on Sunday morning at his home in River Forest, Illinois, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. The 59-year-old was found unresponsive in the 500 block of Bonnie Brae around 8:30 a.m., though the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Officials stated that additional testing is required to determine the cause, with autopsy results potentially taking weeks to finalize. River Forest Police Department Chief James Greenwood confirmed that investigators are awaiting the findings and have not released further details at this time. King, a three-time NBA champion who played for the Chicago Bulls during their historic three-peat in the 1990s, was a central figure in the team’s legacy. Drafted by the Bulls with the No. 6 pick in 1989, he was part of the core that helped the franchise win titles in 1991, 1992, and 1993. Former teammates expressed shock and grief following the news. Scottie Pippen, a fellow Bulls legend, called King “a great teammate and a true ambassador for the game” in a social media post. Michael Jordan, who played alongside King during the 1990s, shared a heartfelt statement: “We shared some special years together as teammates and he was part of a group that helped define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball. My thoughts are with Stacey’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.” Beyond his playing career, King’s legacy as a broadcaster became deeply intertwined with the Bulls community. For over two decades, his energetic and witty commentary defined the television experience for Bulls fans.#scottie_pippen #chicago_bulls #stacey_king #river_forest #james_greenwood
Stacey King, 3-time NBA champion with Bulls, dies at 59 - ESPN Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls who became an Emmy-winning fan favorite on their broadcast team after his playing career, has died at the age of 59, the team announced Sunday. No cause of death was provided. The Chicago Bulls expressed deep sorrow over the passing of King, who was a key figure in the organization's history. Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf described King as a "cherished member of the Bulls family" and highlighted his enduring connection to the team and its fans. Reinsdorf noted that King's influence spanned over three decades, beginning as a player and later as the team's iconic voice on broadcasts. "His joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion brought generations of fans together," Reinsdorf said. King, a 6-foot-11 forward/center, played eight seasons in the NBA, including stints with the Timberwolves, Heat, Celtics, and Mavericks. His most successful period came with the Bulls, where he was a vital part of the team's three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993. Drafted sixth overall in 1989 from Oklahoma, King made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while playing alongside Michael Jordan. Team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf praised King's ability to connect with fans and his unique talent for making every game feel personal. "Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better," Reinsdorf said. "His impact, memory, and legacy will remain part of the Chicago Bulls forever." After retiring from playing, King transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a beloved commentator for the Bulls.#oklahoma #chicago_bulls #stacey_king #jerry_reinsdorf #michael_reinsdorf
