Chicago Mourns: Stacey King, Former Bulls Star, Passes Away

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Reflecting on the Legacy of Stacey King and His Impact on Chicago Basketball

We received some distressing news recently about the passing of Stacey King, a notable figure from the illustrious Chicago Bulls teams. As someone who covered King's career, I have personal reflections on his significant contributions to the sport and his later success in broadcasting. Stacey King, remembered for his time with those great Bulls teams, played a pivotal role during their dominant years.

Dan Jigges and I, during our early days founding WFCR 1180, witnessed firsthand the monumental rise of the Bulls and their importance to our station. Our coverage benefited greatly from interactions with key players like Michael Jordan and, of course, Stacey King alongside Scott Williams and Ron Harper. It is undeniable that these players were central to the Bulls' success, making our broadcast incredibly engaging and highly followed.

King's transition from an NBA player to a noted broadcaster was something Jigges and I anticipated. His charismatic presence and deep understanding of the game allowed him to seamlessly take over from Johnny Kerr as a broadcaster. This transition only solidified his status as a beloved figure in Chicago sports. Furthermore, as a former head coach in the Continental Basketball Association, King's basketball expertise was well-rounded, eventually being recognized by Jerry Reinsdorf who brought him into the Bulls fold.

The loss of Stacey King is profoundly felt throughout Chicago, not just for his contributions on the court, but also for his love for the city and his impact off the court. It's a tough moment, acknowledging that he was among the first of the Bulls' three-peat champions to pass. Stacey King's legacy, however, will undoubtedly live on, cherished by fans and colleagues alike.