I'm Really Bummed Out. R.I.P. Stacey King

Last night I learned of the passing of Chicago Bulls analyst Stacey King, who has been a fixture on the telecasts for something like twenty years.  He came off the bench for the Bulls during every year of their first "3-Peat", beginning with the 1990 season (King was drafted by the Bulls in the 1st round of the '89 draft---I believe I have these years correct).  

His knowledge of the game was beyond question, he was what's known as a "homer" and his banter between himself and regular play-by-play man, Adam Amin is legendary, as it was with prior long-time play-by-play man, Neil Funk.  What a joy to experience!  Even in recent years while the team has been total crap, he made watching the game "Must See TV", because of his wit and charm.  He would make me laugh my ass off and did so routinely.  

He was also known for the nicknames he gave Bulls players (Derrick Rose was the "Windy City Assassin"), as well as for the many catch phrases he coined.  One became the name of his podcast, the "Gimme The Hot Sauce" podcast..."the podcast the podcasters loved!"  Here's a small taste:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_LQmvFpwbU

The Nationwide Insurance bit was with Neil Funk, and continued throughout his time on the broadcast with Adam Amin.  His relationships with both were palpably tight.  The love is evident.

Here's a longer tribute from the "Waddle and Silvy Show" on Chicago's ESPN affiliate (one of the two all sports stations on the radio, and one of the few shows I hated to miss (but often did because of my job):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gokajJyGLuw

In the above, Silvy (Marc Silverman) mentioned King in relation to other great Chicago sports broadcasters, like Jack Brickhouse, Harry Carey and others, rightly saying King belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of Chicago sports broadcasters.  I agree.

This one is an interview with Neil Funk on "The Mully and Haugh Show" on the Score, the other Chicago sports radio station:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyq2xQ9U65Y

I feel like posting more interviews with others who worked with him and likely will later.  But for now I'll leave it there.  This post is more for me than for any readers who aren't from the Chicago area.  What is another sad aspect of this sad news is that the Bulls have made big changes in management, a new coach will be selected soon, and they have the 4th and 15th pick in upcoming draft lottery.  I don't follow college sports as some do, but this is said to be an incredibly talent rich pool of selections, with the two likely picks at #4 likely to be a franchise-making player who can do much to turn this team around from the lowly scum they've been over the past five years.  Stacey King won't be around to witness it, and that hurts to know.  I'm gonna miss him.  Everyone the least bit familiar with him will.