“He was straightforward with his analysis, quick-witted with his words, and enthusiastic about his Suns.”
At the age of 56, Dave King, the longtime managing editor of SB Nation’s Phoenix Suns blog, passed away.
King has been suffering brain metastases from stage IV melanoma.
John Voita, who succeeded King as managing editor of the website in 2023, wrote a heartfelt ode to his friend on Tuesday.
“The Phoenix Suns community has lost a powerful voice with the passing of Dave, who wrote over 2,800 articles for Bright Side of the Sun during his time there and consistently offered a perceptive viewpoint in an approachable manner. From 2010 until 2023, he worked as managing editor, including the remarkable run to the NBA Finals in 2021, according to Voita.
Since several of those teams were not very good in the middle of the 2010s, Dave helped his readers go through some of the roughest moments in Suns history. His sense of humor, along with his realistic outlook and cool-headed assessment of the team’s identity and essence, brought peace to a divided fan base. He was passionate about his Suns, direct in his observations, and spoke with wit and humor.
“I am saddened today to learn of the passing of Davie King, longtime managing editor of Bright Side of the Sun,” Suns owner Mat Ishbia said in a statement on Tuesday. Our fans came together thanks to Dave’s fervent Suns coverage, and his remarkable community service efforts were greatly appreciated. His family and the entire Suns community are in my thoughts and prayers. Dave is going to be missed.
