How Did Stacey King Die? NBA Champ Who Won Three Titles with Michael Jordan with Chicago Bulls and Longtime Commentator Dies Aged 59

Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and a longtime television broadcaster for the team, has died aged 59. The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Sunday afternoon by NBA insider Shams Charania, sending shockwaves through the basketball world. The cause of King’s death has not yet been revealed.

Tributes have been pouring in since his news of his death broke. King was a key member of the Chicago Bulls that dominated the NBA in the early 1990s. Selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft, he spent the first four seasons of his career with the Bulls before moving to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 1993-94 season.

A Legend Is Dead

Over eight NBA seasons, King played a key role in the frontcourt alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, helping Chicago capture three consecutive NBA championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993.

While his achievements on the court secured his place in Chicago Bulls history, King became equally beloved by a new generation of fans through his work as a television commentator for the team’s broadcasts.

Following news of his death, tributes quickly started appearing across social media, with fans expressing their grief and honoring the legacy of a figure who had become synonymous with the Bulls franchise.

Tributes Pour In

Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf paid tribute to King in a statement, saying: “Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history.

“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.”

Team president and COO Michael Reinsdorf reflected on King’s deep connection to the franchise, saying, “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. 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.”