The Chicago Bulls announced Sunday that longtime broadcaster and 3-time NBA champion Stacey King died at the age of 59.
King was the No. 6 pick of the 1989 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma and won three consecutive championships as a reserve big man on Bulls teams led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. After a trade to the Timberwolves during the 1993-94 season, King finished his career with stints in Minnesota, Miami, Boston and Dallas.
King became a beloved color commentator on the Bulls' TV broadcasts in 2007 and ascended to the lead color commentator role in 2008, where he remained until his death.
Here's what we know about King's unexpected death.
Stacey King dies at 59
The Bulls announced the death of King on Sunday. The former NBA champion and popular broadcaster was only 59.
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— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 7, 2026
In a statement, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf called King "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, Reinsdorf said.
King became known for creative nicknames he applied to many Bulls players over his nearly two decades on the call, from labeling Derrick Rose the "Windy City Assassin" to Carlos Boozer's "The Booze Cruise."
Stacey King cause of death
The Bulls did not release any details on King's cause of death, nor have any details been reported.
The beloved broadcaster continued to work as Chicago's lead color commentator through the end of the 2025-26 season, so his death comes as a major surprise to Bulls fans and basketball fans alike.