The outpouring of emotions and tributes in the wake of Bulls broadcaster – and former championship player – Stacey King, 59, dying over the weekend, continued days later and became much more personal on Tuesday.
In a statement released through the team, King’s three sons, Erick, Garrett and Brandon King wrote on behalf of the family:
“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. To everyone who supported our father throughout his journey, thank you. He loved you just as much as you loved and supported him. While many knew him as a champion, broadcaster, and larger-than-life personality, we were blessed to know him as an even greater father, friend, and man.
“One of our favorite things about him was his ability to connect with people. Whether he was speaking with a lifelong fan or a stranger at the grocery store asking, ‘Are you a professional athlete?’ he would always smile and respond, ‘No, I’m just a tall Black guy,’ leaving everyone around him laughing. His sense of humor, warmth, and ability to make people feel seen never left him.
“Our family is deeply grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, stories, messages, phone calls, and support. Hearing how much our father impacted so many lives has brought us comfort during one of the most difficult times we have ever faced. We would also like to express our love and gratitude to our mother, Lisa, for the strength, grace, and support she has shown our family during this incredibly difficult time. Her love for us and her willingness to help us navigate these past few days has meant more than words can express. Navigating life without our father is something we never imagined, but it is also something he prepared us for. Through his guidance, strength, wisdom, and unconditional love, he helped shape us into the men we are today.
“Dad, thank you for every lesson, every sacrifice, every laugh, and every moment we shared together. 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.”
The family thanked the Bulls and Bulls Nation for “embracing” their father, and ended the statement with, “We love you, dad. Your legacy will live on through your family, your friends, your fans, and everyone fortunate enough to have known you.”
Playing alongside legend Michael Jordan, the 6-foot-11 King was a member of the first three Bulls’ championships from 1991-93 after being a standout at Oklahoma.
Jordan made his feelings about King known in a statement of his own, saying “I’m deeply saddened to learn of Stacey’s passing. 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.”
King moved to the broadcast booth in 2006, working as a studio analyst for the pre- and post-game shows. He also started filling in as a third broadcaster late in ’06 and permanently moved to that role in 2007.
It was in that role that former Bulls great Derrick Rose met King, building a relationship that went beyond basketball.
Rose honored King on Monday with a poem.
“Stacey King, your voice became a part of mine, calling moments out that now live beyond time. When the lights got dim and the crowd moved on your belief stayed strong and carried on. You didn’t just call plays, you helped tell my story. From the pain of the struggle to the height of the glory. So if my name still echoes, if my Rose still grows, a piece of that garden is yours … I hope you know.”
The Bulls will announce their plans to honor King for this upcoming season and beyond at some point this offseason.