NBA champ behind iconic Giddey moment tragically dies

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Three-time NBA champion and expert commentator Stacey King, who was behind the iconic call for Josh Giddey's game-winning buzzer beater against the Los Angeles Lakers last year has tragically passed away.

King, who was the colour commentator for the local Chicago Bulls broadcast, died overnight aged 59 after what was believed to be a fall at his home, according to ESPN 1000 Co-host David Kaplan.

The big man was known as one of the most entertaining callers across NBA broadcasts and was also known for his playing career, where he was part of Chicago's threepeat from 1991-93 led by legends of the game including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

For us Australians, he will forever be part of our NBA history after calling Giddey for his first two seasons as a Bull and also Lachlan Olbrich, who was a two-way player for Chicago this past season.

His time calling Giddey's games was headlined by his memorable commentary surrounding the Australian Boomers point guard's half-court buzzer beater over LeBron James to beat the Lakers at the United Center on March 28, 2025 as the Bulls came back from down five points with just 30 seconds remaining.

"Oh my god," King screamed on the broadcast.

"I cannot believe this.

"Elizabeth, I'm coming baby, oh lord.

"Unbelievable."

It was a scene and a moment Giddey and no doubt Aussie hoops fans will never forget with King's "Elizabeth" line, of course in reference the famous 1970s television sitcom Sanford and Son.

King, who attended the University of Oklahoma, had an NBA career which spanned from 1989 to 1997 with the Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks.

He had been a commentator for the Bulls since the 2006-07 season.

"Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organisation's history," Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf wrote in a statement.

"His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades – first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans.

"We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humour, candour and passion that he brought to our organisation, our broadcasts, and our fans every day."

King's announcing partner Neil Funk also paid tribute: “He just loved life.

“It was amazing to me, we'd run into people on the street or in an arena and he made every one of those people feel like they were the only person in the building.

“They're not going to make another Stacey King.”