Stacey King, Bulls Icon, Passes Away at 59

Stacey King, a prominent figure during the Bulls’ first championship run in the early 1990s, and later a cherished analyst for the team’s broadcasts, sadly passed away on Sunday. He was just 59. The exact cause of his death hasn’t been shared yet.

Owner Jerry Reinsdorf remarked on King’s impact, stating, “Stacey King was a valued member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique characters in the history of our organization.” His ties to Chicago, the Bulls, and their fans extended over three decades, first as a player, then as a recognizable voice bringing Bulls basketball to countless households.

King was selected by the Bulls as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft after a stellar college career at Oklahoma, where he was named a consensus All-American. Over the course of four seasons in Chicago, he played a vital bench role, helping secure three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 1993 during the Michael Jordan era.

Throughout his time with the Bulls, King averaged 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds over 344 regular-season games, and in 60 playoff games, he recorded 4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds.

In February 1994, King was traded to the Timberwolves as part of a deal for Luc Longley before continuing his career with the Heat, Celtics, and Mavericks. After a short stint in coaching, he transitioned to broadcasting in 2006, joining the Bulls’ broadcasting team a year later. His memorable catchphrases like “Give me the hot sauce!” and “Sriracha!” became fan favorites.

“Stacey loved being a Bull,” said Michael Reinsdorf, the team’s president and CEO. “You could see it in everything he did, whether it was playing, calling games, or engaging with fans.” He had an exceptional ability to unite people, conveying an infectious energy and passion for basketball through every broadcast. His approach made fans feel acknowledged and appreciated, leaving a lasting impression on the Bulls community and beyond.