Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and winner of an Emmy Award for his work as a television commentator for the Bulls for two decades, has died at the age of 59.
The Chicago Bulls announced the death of their former player between 1989 and 1994, although so far the death of the former Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks player has not been reported.
“Stacey King was a beloved member of the Bulls family and one of the most unique personalities in the history of our organization. His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades: first as a player and then as the unmistakable voice that brought Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans. We will miss him dearly and remember the joy, energy, humor, openness and passion he brought to our organization, to our broadcasts and our fans every day,” said Jerry Reinsdorf, owner and president of the Bulls.
Stacey King was a powerful 2.11 m power forward. who came to the NBA as number 6 in the Draft in 1989, after winning the NCAA with Oklahoma averaging 26 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.
In the NBA he never became a star, but he was a good rotation player for the Bulls who won the NBA from 1991 to 1993.
“Stacey King loved being a Bull. It showed in everything he did: the way he played, his game calling, and his connection with our fans. He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal. Stacey genuinely cared about people and made our organization better,” shared Jerry Reinsdorf.
Stacey King recently commented on her podcast ‘Gimme the Hot Sauce’ that “we enjoy what we do. It’s a fun job. It never feels like work. Every night, I go to work, win, lose or draw, I have fun.”
The University of Oklahoma retired Stacey King’s number 33 jersey in 2008.
In the NBA Stacey King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 16.9 minutes in 438 games.