The Bulls announced on Sunday that long-time broadcaster – and former player – Stacey King has died at the age of 59.
No cause of death was known at this time.
Both Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf made statements in the wake of the news.
“Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said. “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 he brought to our organization, our broadcasts and our fans every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf shared similar thoughts for King and his family.
“Stacey loved being a Bull,” Michael Reinsdorf said. “You could feel it in everything he did – the way he played, the way he called games and the way he connected with our fans. He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal. He brought an energy and love for the game that came through in every broadcast, helping fans feel connected to our team. Whether it was through a broadcast, a conversation or a photo with a fan, Stacey made people feel seen and valued. We were fortunate to know him not only as a player and broadcaster, but as a friend. Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better. We will miss him dearly, and his impact, memory and legacy will remain a part of the Chicago Bulls forever.”
King was a member of the first three Bulls’ championships from 1991-93 after being a standout force at Oklahoma.
He became an Emmy-winning broadcaster after his career was over and had a unique style with his passion and famous sayings.
The Bulls plan to honor King throughout the season and will have announcements on that in the near future.