Stacey King Dies at 59: Chicago Bulls Legend, NBA Champion and Beloved Broadcaster Passes Away. Stacey King Dies at 59. The basketball world was shocked when news emerged that Stacey King, the beloved former NBA player and longtime Chicago Bulls broadcaster, died on June 7, 2026, at the age of 59. His death has brought a flood of tributes from fans, former teammates, NBA organizations, sports journalists, and players throughout the basketball community.
For many fans, Stacey King was more than just a former player. He was one of the most recognizable voices linked to the **Chicago Bulls**, a three-time NBA champion, and a broadcaster whose lively personality helped connect generations of Bulls supporters.
Who Was Stacey King?
Stacey King was born on January 29, 1967, in Oklahoma. He first gained national attention while playing college basketball at the University of Oklahoma, where he became one of the top centers in the country.
During his college years, King established himself as a dominant force in the paint. His strong performances drew the interest of NBA scouts, and he eventually became one of the top prospects entering the league. His success at Oklahoma led to a significant opportunity in the NBA.
NBA Draft and Arrival in Chicago
In the 1989 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls selected Stacey King with the sixth overall pick. At that time, the Bulls were building a team around a rising superstar named Michael Jordan. King entered the league with high hopes and quickly became part of one of basketball’s most iconic eras. Although he wasn’t the primary star of the team, he played an important role during Chicago’s rise to success.
Playing Alongside Michael Jordan
One reason Stacey King is still respected among Bulls fans is his connection to the legendary Bulls dynasty.
King played alongside:
* Michael Jordan
* Scottie Pippen
* Horace Grant
* John Paxson
The Bulls became one of the most dominant teams in sports history during the early 1990s.
King was part of the roster that won:
* 1991 NBA Championship
* 1992 NBA Championship
* 1993 NBA Championship
These championships marked the first three titles of the Bulls dynasty and helped establish Michael Jordan as a global sports icon.
Famous Michael Jordan Story
One of the most memorable stories about Stacey King came during a game when Michael Jordan scored 69 points.
After the game, King jokingly said:
“I’ll always remember this as the night Michael Jordan and I combined for 70 points.”
Jordan had scored 69.
King had scored one. The quote became one of the most famous and humorous lines in NBA history and perfectly captured King’s personality. Fans still repeat the quote decades later.
Career After Chicago
King played five seasons with Chicago before being traded to the **Minnesota Timberwolves** in 1994.
He later spent time with:
* Minnesota Timberwolves
* Miami Heat
* Boston Celtics
He also played overseas before eventually retiring from professional basketball. While his playing career was respectable, his greatest impact on Chicago sports came later.
Becoming the Voice of the Bulls
After he retired, King moved into broadcasting. This choice transformed his career and made him one of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports. For over two decades, he served as a color commentator for Bulls broadcasts across various networks.
Fans appreciated his:
* Basketball knowledge
* Humor
* Passion
* Energy
* Memorable catchphrases
His commentary made games enjoyable, even during tough seasons.
Famous Catchphrases
Stacey King became known for signature expressions that Bulls fans recognized instantly.
Some of his most popular calls included:
* “Give me the hot sauce!”
* “I want to go higher!”
* “Too big, too strong, too fast, too good!”
* “Let me step back and kiss myself!”
Many of these phrases became part of Bulls culture. Younger fans who never saw him play knew him through his broadcasting career.
Impact on Chicago Sports
Few former athletes successfully reinvent themselves after retirement. King achieved something rare. He remained relevant across multiple generations. Older fans remembered him as a championship-winning player. Younger fans knew him as the energetic television voice of the Bulls. According to Bulls executives, he helped fans feel personally connected to the team.
His broadcasts became part of the Chicago sports experience.
Death at Age 59
On June 7, 2026, the Chicago Bulls announced Stacey King’s death. The organization released statements expressing sadness and appreciation for his decades of service. At the time of the announcement, the team confirmed his passing but did not provide details regarding the cause of death.
As a result, many internet users began searching:
* “Stacey King cause of death”
* “How did Stacey King die?”
* “Stacy King cause of death”
* “Chicago Bulls Stacey King death”
As of the publicly available information, no official cause of death had been disclosed.
Reaction Across the NBA
The response from the basketball world was immediate. Former players, coaches, broadcasters, and fans shared tributes. Many remembered him not only as a champion but as someone who brought joy to basketball. The Bulls organization described him as a person who truly cared about others and made everyone feel welcomed.
Numerous social media posts highlighted:
* His humor
* His generosity
* His passion for basketball
* His commitment to Chicago
Why Is This Story Trending Worldwide?
There are several reasons why Stacey King’s death has become one of the most talked-about sports stories.
1. Chicago Bulls Legend
King was part of one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. Any member of the Michael Jordan-era Bulls carries significant historical importance.
2. Michael Jordan Connection
Fans around the world continue to follow stories involving Jordan’s championship teams. King was one of Jordan’s former teammates and remains linked to that legendary era.
3. Popular Broadcaster
Millions of Bulls fans listened to King’s commentary for over twenty years. His voice became synonymous with Bulls basketball.
4. Beloved Personality
Unlike many sports figures, King was admired by fans from different generations. His sense of humor made him particularly popular.
5. Sudden Nature of the News
The announcement came as a shock to many fans, leading to a spike in online searches and media coverage.
6. Social Media Tributes
Current and former NBA players, broadcasters, and organizations quickly shared tributes, pushing the story into trending discussions worldwide.
Stacey King’s Legacy
Stacey King’s legacy goes far beyond statistics. He won championships. He played alongside Michael Jordan. He helped define one of basketball’s greatest dynasties. Then he built a new career as a broadcaster, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in NBA coverage.
Very few athletes make an impact on a franchise in two completely different roles. King achieved that distinction. For Chicago Bulls fans, he was not just a former player or commentator.
He was part of the identity of the franchise itself.
As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, Stacey King will be remembered as a champion, entertainer, broadcaster, and one of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports history. His influence on the Bulls organization and the NBA community will be felt for many years to come.