The Chicago Bulls began the 2026-27 season on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors. Unfortunately, they will be without Stacey King, who passed away in June at the age of 59.
As a result, Bulls play-by-play announcer Adam Amin humbly left the analyst chair open for the 1st quarter, per Bulls on CHSN. Newly hired analyst Robbie Hummel sat in the analyst chair in the 2nd quarter.
This season, Chicago will have a rotating team of analysts throughout the year. Among them are some of the Kings' former teammates, Scott Williams, Will Purdue, and Bill Wennington, along with longtime analyst Kendall Gill.
In honor of Stacey King, the analyst chair will be empty during the first quarter of tonight’s game.
Adam Amin is on the call. pic.twitter.com/lM6MXY9dHH
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) October 21, 2026
King was one of the most celebrated members of Chicago's sports community, both as a player and an analyst. He played in Chicago from 1989 to 1994, winning 3 championships from 1991 to 1993, beginning one of the greatest sports dynasties ever. In 2006, King became an analyst with the Bulls, and from there his trademark style and catchphrases won over Chicagoans young and old.
He cultivated relationships with players and fans alike, past and present.
Article Continues BelowBecause of that, the analyst chair seat King left behind is virtually impossible to fill. But the Bulls are trying their best. As the season goes along, Chicago will honor King in distinct ways.
First, the players will don a King patch on their jerseys. Second, the Bulls will host ‘Stacey King Night' on February 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Before their first preseason game, the Bulls held a moment of silence for King at the United Center.
Long live Stacey King.