Stacey King died Sunday at age 59 after a fall at his home in River Forest. The Chicago Bulls announced the passing of the former player and longtime broadcaster, who had been a fixture with the franchise since his selection as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 draft.

King played eight NBA seasons across 438 games, averaging 6.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists while shooting 47.8 percent from the field. He earned three championship rings with the Bulls in the early 1990s before transitioning to the broadcast booth, where his energetic style and player nicknames became staples of local telecasts.

King’s on-court role was limited behind Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Yet his personality filled gaps that raw production could not. He arrived at the United Center close to tip-off yet delivered flawless takes in single attempts, then stayed courtside long after the final horn to sign jerseys and pose for photos with fans of all ages.

That accessibility spanned his two decades in the organization and helped sustain interest during leaner years after the dynasty. Teammates from the championship era and current voices in the booth recalled his ability to make strangers feel welcomed, a trait that extended from Oklahoma’s run to the 1988 NCAA title game through his Chicago tenure.

Tributes from players, executives and fans have poured in this week. The organization is planning further honors in the coming months. His four sons released a statement emphasizing the love he received from Chicago supporters worldwide.

King treated postgame time as belonging to the fans rather than himself. That habit turned routine exits into lasting memories and kept the franchise’s connection to its base alive long after the banners were raised.