Chicago Artist Commemorates NBA Star Stacey King with Mural

Darius Dennis Pays Tribute to Basketball Legend

Chicago artist Darius Dennis has unveiled a stunning 17-foot mural of former NBA player Stacey King in Logan Square, Chicago, in a heartfelt tribute to the late Bulls icon who passed away in June at age 59. Dennis, a lifelong fan of the Bulls, felt compelled to create this artwork to honor King’s legacy and connection to the city’s basketball culture.

The mural features an intricately detailed portrait of King, alongside the iconic Chicago Bulls mascot adorned with a graffiti-style crown. Adding a personal touch, Dennis included one of King’s well-known catchphrases: “Too big, too strong, too fast, too good!” This phrase encapsulates King’s vibrant personality and his contribution to the Bulls during their championship dynasty in the 1990s.

Reflecting on his decision to create the mural, Dennis recounted, “If no one steps up to the plate and paints a Stacey King portrait before I’m free, I’ve got to do it.” Dennis operates Big Wall Sign and Mural, where he specializes in creating large-scale artworks.

A Tribute to Chicago's Basketball Heritage

King’s influence goes beyond his playing career. After retiring from professional basketball, he became a beloved figure in the community, serving as a color commentator for Bulls games for two decades. Dennis reminisced about how he always tuned into local broadcasts to hear King’s commentary, reinforcing King’s impact on fans and the next generation of players.

In Chicago’s graffiti culture, creating tribute murals is a respected tradition, with artists often commemorating figures who have left a lasting mark. Dennis noted that while such tributes are common in coastal cities, they are less frequent in Chicago, making King’s mural all the more significant. He compared King’s status in Chicago to that of legendary Cubs announcer Harry Caray, stating, “He deserves to be painted and remembered.”

Community reception of the mural has been positive, with local residents pausing to admire the art. A recent sighting of a Chicago Police car slowing down to view the mural exemplified the pride it inspires within the community. Additionally, passersby have taken to social media, sharing their own photos in front of Dennis’s artwork.

More Than Just a Mural

Interestingly, this mural comes on the heels of another piece by Dennis that went viral this summer—a portrait of folk music legend John Prine at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Lincoln Square. While the Prine mural was commissioned, Dennis took on the King project out of personal passion. He felt that it was vital to invest time in projects that resonate with him emotionally.

“I need one to two projects a year that are just for me and I can paint from the heart,” Dennis stated, underlining the importance of personal expression in his work. In a nod to the past, he referenced the renowned hand-painted images of Bulls stars from the 1990s, which previously lined the warehouse of Bigsby & Kruthers, creating a nostalgic connection between the city’s sports history and contemporary artistic expression.

As Dennis stands before the mural, he proudly declares, “I’m Bulls forever,” highlighting his deep-rooted connection to the team and the city. The mural stands not only as a tribute to Stacey King but also as a symbol of Chicago’s rich basketball heritage.

Currently, the mural is prominently displayed at Project Logan, located behind 2929 W. Fullerton Avenue, inviting all fans and residents to pause, reflect, and celebrate the legacy of one of the Bulls' greats.