There has been very little light when it comes to Bulls basketball the last decade.
On many game nights, television broadcaster – and former championship player – Stacey King was that lone beacon through a lot of dark seasons. A big man with an even bigger personality.
Now that the organization is seemingly heading in a positive direction, it was more than just a gut punch on Sunday when the team announced King had died at the age of 59 and will no longer be one of the voices to usher the Bulls into a new era.
No cause of death was given.
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.”
The 6-foot-11 King was a member of the first three Bulls’ championships from 1991-93 after being a standout force at Oklahoma. In eight NBA seasons, he also played with Minnesota, Miami, Boston and Dallas, averaging 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.
The sixth overall pick in 1989, King played in all 82 games as a rookie, coming off the bench and averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Once his career dwindled down, he eventually pursued coaching, taking the head job for the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association. He then moved to the broadcast both in 2006, working as a studio analyst for the pre- and post-game shows. He also started filling in as a third broadcaster late in ’06 and permanently moved to that role in 2007.
The Emmy-winning broadcaster became famous for his nicknames as well as his signature calls “Gimme the hot sauce,” “Let me step back and kiss myself,” and “Drive home safely, Chicago! Beep, beep!”
“Stacey King was one of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports,” Chicago Sports Network president Michael McCarthy said. “Stacey had a unique ability to connect generations of Bulls fans. Whether through his basketball insight, his humor, or his unforgettable calls, he made every game more enjoyable and every broadcast better.”
The Bulls plan to honor King throughout the season and will have announcements on that in the near future.