Key Takeaways
- Stacey King, a three‑time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, died at age 59; the cause of death has not been disclosed.
- After an eight‑year playing career (1989‑1997) that included stints with Minnesota, Miami, Boston and Dallas, King transitioned to a two‑decade‑long broadcast role with the Bulls, becoming an Emmy‑winning fan favorite.
- Known for his humor, catchphrases (“Gimme the Hot Sauce”), and deep connection to Chicago, King bridged generations of Bulls supporters both on the court and behind the microphone.
- His collegiate success at Oklahoma—where he earned First‑Team All‑America honors, Big Eight Player of the Year, and had his No. 33 jersey retired—laid the foundation for a professional career highlighted by three championships alongside Michael Jordan.
- Bulls ownership, executives, and colleagues praised King’s joy, energy, candor, and passion, emphasizing that his impact will remain a permanent part of the franchise’s history.
Stacey King, a beloved figure in Chicago sports, passed away at the age of 59, the Chicago Bulls announced on Sunday. The team did not reveal a cause of death. In a statement, Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf described King as a “cherished member of the Bulls family” whose relationship with Chicago, the organization, and its fans spanned more than three decades—first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice of Bulls broadcasts. Reinsdorf added that the organization would miss King’s joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion, which he brought to every game, broadcast, and fan interaction.
King’s professional basketball journey began when he was selected sixth overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1989 NBA Draft after a standout collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma. As a 6‑foot‑11 forward/center, he played all 82 games as a rookie, averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while coming off the bench behind Michael Jordan. During his eight‑season NBA career (1989‑1997), King accumulated career averages of 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. After his rookie year with Chicago, he had brief stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks, but his most memorable on‑court achievements came as part of the Bulls’ first three‑peat, capturing championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993 alongside Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and the rest of the legendary roster.
Following his playing days, King remained deeply involved with the Bulls organization. He transitioned to broadcasting, where he spent more than two decades as a color commentator on Bulls telecasts. His energetic delivery, witty repartee, and signature catchphrases—most notably his enthusiastic “Gimme the Hot Sauce!” after big plays—endeared him to a new generation of fans. King’s work earned him an Emmy Award, and he frequently highlighted the enjoyment he found in the job, telling listeners on his “Gimme the Hot Sauce” podcast that broadcasting never felt like work because he was constantly having fun, win or lose.
College basketball fans also remember King for his standout years at Oklahoma. He helped the Sooners reach the national title game in the 1987‑88 season, where they fell to Kansas and star Danny Manning. The next year, 1988‑89, King earned First‑Team All‑America honors and was named Big Eight Player of the Year after averaging a conference‑leading 26.0 points and 2.3 blocks per game. In recognition of his contributions, Oklahoma retired his No. 33 jersey in 2008.
After his NBA career, King briefly explored coaching, serving as the head coach of the Rockford Lightning in the Continental Basketball Association for the 2001‑02 season. However, his lasting legacy remains tied to his dual role as a player and broadcaster for the Chicago Bulls. Team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf echoed the sentiments of the ownership group, noting that King’s love for the franchise was evident in everything he did—how he played, how he called games, and how he connected with fans. Chicago Sports Network president and CEO Michael McCarthy called King “one of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports,” emphasizing his unique ability to unite generations of Bulls supporters through his basketball insight, humor, and unforgettable broadcast calls.
The Bulls’ social media post accompanying the announcement featured a photo of King and a caption that read, “We are devastated by the passing of 3x NBA Champion and beloved broadcaster Stacey King.” As the organization mourns, the collective recollection of King’s vibrant personality, his championship pedigree, and his enduring presence in Bulls broadcasts ensures that his influence will continue to resonate within the franchise and its fan base for years to come.