Former Chicago Bull Player Stacey King Dies...

Former Chicago Bull Player Stacey King Dies aged 59 Following Reported Fall at Home

CHICAGO — Stacey King, the three-time NBA champion who won titles alongside Michael Jordan before spending more than two decades as the beloved, vibrant television voice of the Chicago Bulls, has died at the age of 59.

The Chicago Bulls confirmed the news on Sunday 7th June 2026, stating they had been notified of his passing by a family member. While the franchise did not officially disclose the cause of death, reports from Chicago media indicate that King passed away following an accidental fall at his home in River Forest, Illinois.

The sudden loss of the 6-foot-11 forward-center turned Emmy-winning broadcaster has prompted a profound outpouring of grief across the basketball world, closing a chapter on a figure whose connection to the city and the franchise spanned more than 30 years.

"Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organisation's history," Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "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."

From College Stardom to NBA Dynasty

Born on 29th January 1967 in Lawton, Oklahoma, King first rose to national prominence at the University of Oklahoma. As a junior, he led the Sooners to the 1988 NCAA national championship game, earning the tournament's Most Valuable Player award despite a loss to Kansas. By his senior year, he was a consensus first-team All-American, averaging 26 points and over 10 rebounds per game.

His stellar collegiate career saw him selected by Chicago with the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft. Joining a rapidly rising team spearheaded by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, King successfully transitioned from a college star to a vital, hard-working reserve.

He played in all 82 games during his rookie season, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honours. King went on to play a crucial supporting role in the paint as the Bulls secured their historic first "three-peat", winning three consecutive NBA championships in 1991, 1992 and 1993.

King spent five seasons in Chicago before continuing his eight-year NBA playing career with stints at the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. He retired from the court with career averages of 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

"Gimme the Hot Sauce!": A Second Chapter in Broadcasting

While his playing days cemented his place in Bulls history, it was King's second act behind the microphone that made him a legendary figure to a completely new generation of basketball fans.

Returning to the organisation as a color commentator, King spent more than 20 years calling Bulls games. His broadcasts were defined by an infectious enthusiasm, sharp tactical candour and a library of unforgettable, high-energy catchphrases. Phrases such as "Gimme the hot sauce!" and his passionate reactions to spectacular plays became synonymous with Chicago sports culture, making him one of the most recognisable and popular voices in American sports broadcasting.

"Stacey loved being a Bull," added Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf. "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."

King is survived by his wife, Debi, and his four sons. The family has not yet announced details regarding funeral and memorial arrangements.