axios.com

Stacey King, Chicago Bulls champion and longtime broadcaster, dies at 59

Stacey King and Adam Amin look on during the Toronto Raptors v Chicago Bulls game on March 21, 2022 at United Center. Photo: Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty ImagesStacey King, the Chicago Bulls' three-time champion and beloved broadcaster, has died, according to the team. He was 59.The big picture: King, a collegiate star at Oklahoma, was drafted by the Bulls in 1989 and played for them for five seasons. He was a key reserve on the Bulls teams that won three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 93. King was traded midway through the 1993-94 season. Zoom out: King renewed his bond with Chicago when he came back in 2006 to join the broadcast booth, where he spent the next two decades becoming one of Chicago's most recognizable sports voices.What they're saying: "Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization's history," Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "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."State of play: King's perspective as a former player gave viewers insight into the game, while his colorful one-liners made him a fan favorite.When the Bulls won, King would give viewers his signature catch phrase of "drive home safely, Chicago!! Beep! Beep!"Flashback: Some of King's most memorable calls came during Derrick Rose's years with the Bulls.One-liners about Rose ranged from "too big, too strong, too fast, too good" to "there's a mouse in the house" to "gimme the hot sauce," which he turned into the name of his podcast and a line of hot sauces. The bottom line: King will be remembered as one of Chicago's most distinctive sports broadcasters, whose humor, authenticity and signature catchphrases made him a beloved voice among generations of Bulls fans.email (opens in new window)sms (opens in new window)facebook (opens in new window)twitter (opens in new window)linkedin (opens in new window)bluesky (opens in new window)nextdoor (opens in new window)Add Axios on GoogleMore Chicago stories

Read full news in source page