It has finally been revealed.
Nearly two months after the NBA world was hit with the sudden loss of Chicago Bulls legend Stacey King, one of Chicago’s coolest basketball personalities, his cause of death has been determined.
According to the California Post, an official from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that King died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
“A spokesperson for the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office told the California Post on Monday that the three-time NBA champion died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease — an issue caused by long-term high blood pressure,” the California Post reported.
The Post added that obesity also played a role in King’s cause of death. King died on June 7 at his home in River Forest, Illinois. He was 59 years old.
Stacey King Was a Respected Chicago Bulls Player-Turned Announcer
Getty13 May 1993: Center Stacey King of the Chicago Bulls looks on after knocking a Cleveland Cavaliers player to the deck during a second round playoff game at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bulls won the game, 104-85. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel
It was actually after his playing days that people most remember him for.
A 6-foot-11 forward, King was selected by the Bulls with the No. 6 overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft. This was when the Bulls were poised to take over all the league’s most dominant team led by Michael Jordan, who had already won a league MVP and a Defensive Player of the Year award. With Jordan leading the way, the role-playing King helped the Bulls secure three championships in his first four seasons with the organization.
His time in Chicago came to an end in 1994 when he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that included Luc Longley. King also played for the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics before retiring in 1997.
After life in the NBA, King joined the Bulls’ television broadcasts, where his booming voice made him such fun to listen to.
When a huge 3-point went down … Gimme the hot sauce!
How about a line younger fans will remember from the good-ole’ Derrick Rose days … Too big, too strong, too fast, too good!
King Will Be Remembered
Following King’s passing, Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf has this to say about the Chicago icon: “Stacey was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history. 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.
Said Michael Reinsdorf: “Stacey loved being a Bull. 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.”
Some fans may also remember King for his “Gimme The Hot Sauce Podcast,” where he gave his basketball takes and analysis.
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