Full Breakdown
Chicago Bulls Legend Stacey King Dies at 59
6/8/2026, 9:15:01 PM
The Sudden Loss of a Bulls Icon
On June 7, 2026 the Chicago Bulls announced that former player and longtime broadcaster Stacey King had died at age 59. The organization confirmed the news after being notified by a family member. No cause of death was released in the initial statement.
From Draft Pick to Champion
King entered the NBA as the No. 6 overall pick in the 1989 draft, selected by the Bulls out of the University of Oklahoma. He joined a team that had just lost the 1990 Eastern Conference Finals and became a role player on the first three-peat, winning NBA titles in 1991, 1992 and 1993. He was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in February 1994 and later played for Miami, Boston and Dallas before retiring after the 1996-97 season.
Career Numbers and Milestones
King appeared in 438 regular-season games, averaging 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds. He started 63 games and logged at least 76 regular-season appearances in each of the three championship seasons. After his playing career, he began broadcasting for the Bulls in 2006, became the lead color analyst in 2008, and earned Emmy recognition for his work over more than two decades.
Legacy on and off the Court
Teammates and fans credit King with bridging generations of Bulls supporters through his humor, memorable calls, and “unmistakable voice.” His on-air personality and willingness to engage fans after games helped sustain the franchise’s cultural relevance long after the Jordan era.
Official Statements from the Bulls Organization
Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf described King as a cherished member of the organization whose connection to Chicago spanned three decades. President and CEO Michael Reinsdorf highlighted King’s love for the Bulls and his ability to make fans feel seen and valued. Chicago Sports Network president Michael McCarthy called King “one of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports” and praised his unique ability to connect generations of fans.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting or critical commentary was reported in the source material; coverage focused exclusively on tribute and remembrance.
On-the-Ground Reactions
Former teammate Will Perdue called the loss “a gut punch” and a reminder of life’s fragility. Longtime friend Ike White recalled a recent conversation with King and expressed shock at the sudden news, noting plans they had made for the summer.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Bulls did not disclose a cause of death. Several outlets reported that King suffered a fall at his River Forest home, while the medical examiner’s office indicated an autopsy was pending to determine the exact cause. No definitive conclusion has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history.” — Jerry Reinsdorf, Bulls Chairman
- “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. 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.” — Michael Reinsdorf, Bulls President & CEO
- “Stacey had a unique ability to connect generations of Bulls fans.” — Michael McCarthy, Chicago Sports Network President & CEO
- “It was kinda like a gut punch and a reminder that you can’t take anything for granted,” — Will Perdue, former Bulls teammate
- “Then, this morning, I was driving, and his son called and told me that Stacey had passed.” — Ike White, longtime friend
Looking Ahead
The Bulls indicated that details about memorial services will be announced later. The organization and the NBA have pledged to honor King during the upcoming season, with tributes planned for home games and a moment of silence scheduled for the next Bulls appearance.
