Stacey King, longtime Bulls broadcaster who played on three NBA championship teams, dies at 59

CHICAGO (AP) — Stacey King, who played on three consecutive NBA championship teams with the Chicago Bulls from 1991-93 before returning to the organization as an Emmy-winning, fan-favorite broadcaster, has died. He was 59. The Bulls announced that King died Sunday and said they were notified by a family member. No other details were immediately available. "Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization'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. 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." King began his NBA playing career with the Bulls, who selected the 6-foot-11 forward/center out of Oklahoma with the sixth overall pick in the 1989 draft. He averaged 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds over his five seasons with the Bulls. He played a total of eight seasons in the NBA during a career that also included stops in Minnesota, Miami, Boston and Dallas. King posted career averages of 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds. As a broadcaster, King endeared himself to a new generation of Bulls supporters. He spent more than two decades as a commentator on Bulls games. "Stacey loved being a Bull," Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement. "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." Chicago Sports Network president and CEO Michael McCarthy called King "one of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports." "Stacey had a unique ability to connect generations of Bulls fans," McCarthy said. "Whether through his basketball insight, his humor, or his unforgettable calls, he made every game more enjoyable and every broadcast better." King delighted fans with his memorable calls and nicknames. His enthusiasm was apparent every time the Bulls hit a big shot. "We enjoy what we do," King said last month on his "Gimme the Hot Sauce" podcast, a reference to a comment he'd frequently make after big plays. "It's a fun job. It never seems like work for me. Every night, I go to work, win, lose or draw, I'm having fun."