“RIP”: NBA World Mourns the Demise of Phoenix Suns’ Media Family Legend

It takes some effort to be a longtime writer, breathing life into one of the most difficult stretches in the Phoenix Suns’ franchise history. For a decade (2011-20), the Suns did not make it to the playoffs, but ‘Suns Daddy’ persevered to bring sanity to a fan base in turmoil. This is Dave King for you, who ensured unfettered support for the Suns and sent over 23,000 children to their first Suns’ games!

King passed away after fighting stage IV melanoma that spread to the brain. He was 56 years old and is survived by his wife, three daughters, sister, and parents.

However, there was more to King than his love for the Suns. He believed in giving back to the community. He used his platform to help several writers and sports journalists get full-time gigs. Further, he would also organize the annual ‘Bright Side Night’ fundraisers, which were funded by the readers. And their donations were 100% matched by the Suns. These funds were used to give underprivileged kids a chance to attend their first Suns game. He was the architect behind this idea, which was put into action in 2017.

As the news about his death spread, fans and colleagues took to the internet to share their fond memories of King. ‘Bright Side of the Sun’ managing editor, John Voita, shared how they would grab a warm cup of coffee and watch King’s ‘Stat Me Dave’ segment and laugh.

For Voita, King was a mentor and a friend. “Again, certain people come into your life and change it. Dave King did that for me in ways I cannot begin to even express, and to any who knew him, they’d say the same,” he wrote in his tribute.

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King’s passion for the Suns extended to the players as well. Remember when many claimed that Devin Booker was struggling in the playoffs? Well, Dave King was his biggest supporter and called it “dumb summer narratives”. While he agreed Booker’s performances were not up to the mark, he did not agree that the player was struggling in the postseason. When he read an article pushing the negative narrative about ‘D-Booker’, what did he hit back with? “Come on, man. At least do your homework. At least do honest, trustworthy work.”

The NBA community remembers Dave King’s contributions!

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared their thoughts about King. Even the Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia released a statement. “I am saddened today to learn of the passing of Davie King, longtime managing editor of Bright Side of the Sun. Dave’s passionate coverage of the Suns brought our fans together, and his work to give back to the community was extraordinary. My thoughts are with his family and the entire Suns community. Dave will be missed,” it read.

Dave King’s colleagues and well-wishers from the media world also paid homage to the legend following his sudden demise. Suns sportscaster Tim Ring celebrated King as a wonderful person and a great writer. Ring acknowledged his constant contribution to the pregame show ‘Here Come the Suns’.

Further, his colleagues from ‘Solar Panel’, Saul and Espo, dedicated an emotional tribute video remembering him and some of his biggest moments.

Reporter Ray Hrovat reminisced about his time working with Dave King on ‘Bright Side’ for several years. He also appreciated the personality for his insane work ethic and incredible writing. Moreover, Devin Booker took to his Instagram stories and wrote, “Rest easy Dave.”

Instead of flowers, King’s family has requested that well-wishers make donations to King’s ‘Bright Side Night’ initiative. Those donations will count towards next year’s event. King’s annual fundraiser will continue after his passing.

Several people mourned the death of Dave King. His analysis and enthusiasm will be missed.

Dave King believed in investing in people and relationships; especially those that shared his passion for the Suns. Hence, there are several outlets dedicated to the Suns and many of them also have ties with Dave King. ‘The Fanning the Flames Podcast’, ‘Suns JAM Session Podcast’, ‘PHNX’, ‘Locked On Suns’ and several other spaces have connections with Dave King.

The NBA world can only thank Dave King for his passion and contribution.

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