Neil Funk Remembers Stacey King: "He Just Loved Life"

The basketball community was left in mourning after the news broke on Sunday that Stacey King, a former Chicago Bulls forward and cherished commentator, had passed away at the age of 59. King was a three-time champion with the Bulls and served as a color analyst for nearly two decades, earning a special place in the hearts of fans.

Among those paying homage to King is Neil Funk, who was the Bulls' play-by-play announcer from 1991 to 2008. Funk worked alongside King starting in 2006, and their partnership extended to television until Funk's retirement in 2020. Having witnessed King both as a player and a colleague, Funk shared his heartfelt memories during an appearance on 104.3 The Score on Monday. Funk also highlighted King’s remarkable ability to connect with fans, stating, “He made everyone feel like they were the only person in the room. There will never be another Stacey King. His talent and spirit were one of a kind, and he genuinely cared about people.”

King and his broadcasting partner, Adam Amin, were recently recognized as the third-best local NBA commentary team in Awful Announcing's fan rankings, a testament to their dynamic presence in the world of basketball broadcasting.