Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls during their early 1990s dynasty and one of the most popular and energetic color commentators in team history, died Sunday. He was 59.
The Chicago Bulls announced King’s passing on social media Sunday afternoon.
“We are devastated by the passing of 3x NBA Champion and beloved broadcaster Stacey King,” the team stated.
King, whose full name was Ronald Stacey King, was born Jan. 29, 1967, in Lawton, Oklahoma. He starred at the University of Oklahoma, earning consensus first-team All-American honors and Big Eight Player of the Year recognition in 1989 before being selected sixth overall in the NBA Draft by the Bulls.
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
Playing Career: Role Player on a Dynasty
King played eight NBA seasons after his rookie year with Chicago, appearing in 438 regular-season games and averaging 6.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game. He earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 1990.
His most significant contributions came as a member of the Bulls’ first three consecutive championship teams (1991–1993). Standing 6-foot-11, King provided frontcourt depth and energy alongside Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant and the rest of Phil Jackson’s squad during the franchise’s transformative era. He was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 1993–94 season and later played for the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks before his NBA career concluded in the late 1990s. He also had stints overseas and in minor leagues.
While his statistical footprint was modest compared to the superstars around him, King was part of the foundational roster that delivered Chicago its first NBA titles and helped establish the modern Bulls brand.
Broadcasting Legacy: Joy, Catchphrases and Connection
King transitioned into media after his playing days, beginning as a studio analyst before joining the Bulls’ television broadcast team full-time in the mid-2000s. He served as color commentator alongside play-by-play voices Neil Funk and, later, Adam Amin through the 2025–26 season — nearly two decades of work that made him a fixture in Chicago living rooms.
His style stood out for its unfiltered enthusiasm, humor and relatability. King became famous for signature calls and phrases that fans repeated for years:
- Demands for “hot sauce” on highlight-reel plays
- Exuberant “Beep beep!” exclamations
- Playful nicknames such as “Lil Buzi Vert” for young forward Matas Buzelis and others
He brought levity and storytelling during both successful and difficult stretches for the franchise. Even as the team navigated post-dynasty rebuilding years and inconsistent performance, King’s personality kept broadcasts entertaining and grounded in Bulls history. Colleagues and viewers often noted how his chemistry with Amin created one of the more engaging local NBA booths in recent memory.
Immediate Reaction and Fan Impact
News of King’s death spread quickly across social media, with the Bulls’ announcement drawing tens of thousands of engagements within hours. Fans shared clips of memorable calls, expressed personal connections formed over decades of listening, and mourned the loss of a voice that felt like part of Chicago sports culture.
Many described King as someone who made watching even losing seasons more bearable through his wit and passion. Tributes highlighted his ability to bridge generations — from those who remembered him as a player on championship teams to younger fans who grew up hearing his voice on every broadcast.
On X, fans flooded timelines with signature phrases and memories. One user wrote, “Drive to heaven safely Stacey…. beep beep 💔😞,” while another posted, “Bulls broadcasts won’t be the same. RIP Stacey, I hope they have hot sauce in heaven.”
Video clips of King’s most iconic calls circulated widely, including one fan sharing, “Some of my favorite calls in NBA history came from Stacey King… RIP 🙏🙏🙏.” Accounts like @Ballislife highlighted the “infamous ‘Chicken Story’” in a tribute video.
Broader NBA community reactions poured in, with statements such as “One of the best and most entertaining broadcasters in the NBA. RIP, Stacey King,” and “This one stings 💔💔💔 RIP.” Former Bulls players and alumni also shared condolences, underscoring King’s lasting impact.
The outpouring reflected deep personal bonds: “One of the reason I’ve continued to watch the Bulls over the down years is to hear Stacey. He was so fun and witty… Beep beep! Drive home safely Chicago 😞.”
A Lasting Mark on Chicago Sports
King’s journey from sixth overall pick and championship role player to long-tenured, fan-favorite broadcaster illustrates the multifaceted ways athletes can remain connected to their teams and cities. His on-air presence emphasized joy, accessibility and storytelling — qualities that resonated deeply in a market with intense loyalty to its sports franchises.
While the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, the outpouring of grief underscores the personal bond many Chicagoans felt with King. His absence will be felt immediately in the broadcast booth and across the fan base that came to view him as part of the Bulls’ extended family.
The organization, players, alumni and supporters are expected to honor King in the coming days and weeks as the basketball community reflects on a life spent in service to the game and the city he represented for more than 35 years.
