CHICAGO — The family of Stacey King, along with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, shared new tributes this week honoring the former Bulls player and longtime broadcaster after his death at age 59.
King, who played on the Bulls' first three NBA championship teams before becoming one of the franchise’s most recognizable broadcast voices, died Sunday. The Bulls said service details honoring King's life and legacy will be announced at a later date.
In a statement released Tuesday by the Bulls, King's family said he was "an incredible father, friend and man" whose love and support shaped his sons’ lives.
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"Our father, Stacey King, passed away, and we want to take a moment to honor his life, his legacy, and the incredible love he received from the fans of Chicago and people around the world," the family said.
RELATED: Stacey King, Longtime Bulls Broadcaster Who Played On 3 NBA Championship Teams, Dies At 59
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King's family remembered his gift for connecting with people and making them laugh, including strangers who approached him in public. When someone asked, "Are you a professional athlete?" King would smile and respond, "No, I'm just a tall Black guy."
"Dad, thank you for every lesson, every sacrifice, every laugh, and every moment we shared together," the family said. "Thank you for loving us, believing in us, and showing us what it means to live with passion, generosity, and authenticity. Your love and influence will remain with us forever."
Jordan, who played with King during the Bulls' first three-peat from 1991 to 1993, also released a statement Monday.
"I'm deeply saddened to learn of Stacey’s passing," Jordan said. "We shared some special years together as teammates, and he was part of a group that helped define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball. My thoughts are with Stacey’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched."
He could guard Towns and let Wemby zone up back end!!! On offense he brings offense and experience that would help stretch the floor for Wemby. At this point you have to try something to rally your team!! https://t.co/pJe5GRNZkf— Stacey King (@Stacey21King) June 6, 2026
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has ordered additional testing, and it could take weeks before the cause and manner of death are determined, the Chicago Tribune reported.
King was selected by the Bulls with the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft after playing at Oklahoma. The 6-foot-11 forward/center spent five seasons with the Bulls and averaged 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds during his time in Chicago.
He played eight NBA seasons overall, including stops with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. He finished his NBA career averaging 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.
But for many younger Bulls fans, King became best known as the enthusiastic, humorous and deeply familiar voice of Bulls basketball.
For more than two decades, King worked as an Emmy-winning broadcaster and became known for his storytelling, candor and signature calls. The Bulls said King's passion for the game and love for the franchise helped create lasting memories for fans.
"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."
Reinsdorf said the organization would remember King's "joy, energy, humor, candor and passion."
We are devastated by the passing of 3x NBA Champion and beloved broadcaster Stacey King. pic.twitter.com/NSyeopd880— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 7, 2026
Michael Reinsdorf, the Bulls' president and CEO, said King "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," Michael Reinsdorf said. "He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal."
The Bulls said King's impact extended beyond basketball, noting his charitable work and his connection to the Chicago community.
"We are grateful for everything Stacey gave to the Chicago Bulls and to the city he proudly called home," the team said. "His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the memories he helped create and the enduring place he holds in Bulls history."
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