Stacey King, 3‑time NBA Champion with the Chicago Bulls, Passes Away at 59

It’s a sobering moment for basketball fans everywhere: Stacey King, the 6‑foot‑9 power forward who was part of the Chicago Bulls’ first three‑peat in the early 1990s, has died at the age of 59. The news broke on social media early Tuesday, and tributes have poured in from former teammates, coaches, and the wider NBA community.

King, who was drafted 6th overall by the Bulls in 1989, earned his reputation as a reliable rebounder and a solid scorer in the paint. He was on the court when the Bulls lifted the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 1991, 1992 and 1993, sharing locker‑room jokes and late‑night meals with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson. After hanging up his sneakers, he stayed close to the game, moving into broadcasting and later becoming an assistant coach for the New York Knicks.

While the announcement confirmed King’s passing, his family has chosen not to release the precise cause of death at this time. Close friends say they are “grieving deeply” and ask for privacy as they navigate this painful chapter. Some outlets have hinted at a sudden health event, but nothing has been officially verified, so speculation should be treated with caution.

Fans have taken to Twitter and Instagram, posting memories of King’s tenacity on the court and his warm, approachable personality off it. Former Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen tweeted, “Stacey was a true champion—on and off the hardwood. My thoughts are with his family.” Even former rival Magic Johnson posted a heartfelt message, underscoring how King’s influence reached beyond Chicago.

Beyond the championships, King’s legacy includes his charitable work in his hometown of Chicago, where he often visited youth programs and spoke about the importance of education and perseverance. Those who knew him describe a man who never lost the humility that made him a beloved teammate.

As the NBA community mourns, the Bulls organization released a statement expressing their sorrow: “Stacey King will forever be a part of our history. He helped us build a dynasty, and his spirit will live on in every player who wears the Bulls jersey.” The team plans to honor his memory during the upcoming season, though details have not yet been announced.

In moments like these, the sport reminds us that the athletes we cheer for are also people with families, friends, and stories that extend far beyond the stat sheet. Stacey King’s contributions to basketball—both as a player and as a mentor—will be remembered for years to come.