The Chicago Bulls gathered at the Advocate Center on Monday for a Celebration of Life ceremony honoring former player and longtime television analyst Stacey King. The event brought together Bulls executives, broadcast partners and King’s three sons, Erick, Garrett and Brandon, to pay tribute to a figure who was synonymous with the franchise for more than three decades.

Michael Reinsdorf, the Bulls’ chief executive officer and president, delivered a heartfelt eulogy that underscored King’s unique place in Chicago basketball history. “Over the last three decades, Stacey became so much more than just a former player or our television analyst,” Reinsdorf said. “He became one of the defining personalities of Chicago Bulls basketball. He meant so much to me, to my family, to my dad, who is here today, to everyone in our organization, to the city of Chicago, and to Bulls fans all over the world.” The reverent tone of the remarks reflected the deep personal and professional connections that King forged during his tenure with the team.

King’s on-court résumé includes three NBA championships with the Bulls from 1991 to 1993, a period when he served as a reliable reserve big man. Drafted sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma, he logged all 82 games in his rookie season, averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds. Over an eight-year career that also saw stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, King posted career averages of 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds across 438 regular-season games. While his numbers were modest, his role as a steady contributor helped the Bulls maintain depth during their early championship runs.

After hanging up his sneakers, King transitioned to the broadcast booth, where he spent 19 years delivering Bulls commentary. His voice became a familiar backdrop for fans, bridging the gap between the team’s storied past and its present. Colleagues Neil Funk and Adam Amin, who shared the microphone with King, highlighted his humor and authenticity, traits that endeared him to viewers and reinforced his status as more than just a former player.

The organization has not yet disclosed how it will commemorate King’s legacy during the upcoming season, but the expectation is that any tribute will reflect his vibrant personality. Similarly, no decision has been made regarding a permanent replacement for King in the broadcast booth, leaving the role open for future deliberation. The Bulls’ leadership emphasized that honoring King will be a thoughtful process, ensuring his contributions are remembered appropriately.

King’s impact extends beyond statistics; he embodied the spirit of a franchise that thrives on teamwork, resilience and community connection. His presence on the court, in the locker room, and later behind the microphone, helped shape the Bulls’ identity for a generation of fans. As Chicago reflects on his passing, the ceremony served as a reminder that his influence will endure long after the final buzzer sounds.