Mourning in the NBA: Stacey King, three-time champion with the Chicago Bulls of Jordan and former player of Atenas de Córdoba, has passed away

The NBA and international basketball are going through hours of deep sorrow. This Monday it was confirmed that Stacey King, one of the historic members of the Chicago Bulls who dominated the league in the early 1990s alongside Michael Jordan, passed away at the age of 59 due to unknown causes.

The news generated an immediate reaction from both the American league and the Bulls. In a statement, the organization highlighted his contributions both on and off the court. "Stacey left his mark on the game as a player, coach, and commentator. For over 20 years in Bulls broadcasts, his passion, knowledge, and distinctive energy resonated with generations of fans. We extend our deepest condolences to Stacey's family and friends and to the Bulls organization,” stated the NBA.

From Chicago, they also expressed their sorrow. Jerry Reinsdorf, president of the franchise, defined him as "a very beloved member of the Bulls family" and emphasized the connection he maintained with the club throughout his life. "He loved being a Bull. That was evident in the way he played, in how he narrated the games, and in the relationship he had with the fans", noted the executive.

Born in Oklahoma, King entered the NBA in 1989 after a standout college career and was selected by Chicago with the sixth pick in the draft. Standing at 2.11 meters tall, he played all 82 games of his rookie season and then was part of the roster that accompanied Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and company in winning three consecutive championships between 1991 and 1993, under the leadership of Phil Jackson. That period marked the beginning of one of the most successful dynasties in NBA history and solidified King as a memorable piece of those teams that dominated the league.

On the other hand, in addition to the Bulls, throughout eight seasons in the American league he also wore the jerseys of Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks. Over his entire career, he averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

His career also had a little-known chapter in Argentina. In 1998, he arrived at Atenas de Córdoba to replace Fabricio Oberto, who had been transferred to Olympiacos in Greece. The signing of a player with three NBA championship rings generated enormous expectations in national basketball, although the physical problems he had in both knees significantly limited his performance.

His experience in the National League was brief. He played only eight games with averages of 8.3 points and 5.8 rebounds before parting ways with the Córdoba club and retiring, although his time there was recorded as one of the most impactful signings of the era.

After hanging up his sneakers, King remained connected to basketball. He first worked as a coach and later built an extensive career as a commentator for the Bulls. For over two decades, he accompanied the franchise's television broadcasts and became an inseparable voice for several generations of fans.

His death caused shock in the NBA community and among Chicago followers, who lost one of the most emblematic members of the organization, both for his past as a champion alongside Jordan and for his charisma in front of the microphones.