Bob Love, a three-time NBA All-Star with the Chicago Bulls, passed away on Monday after a long battle with cancer, the team announced. He was 81 years old.
Love played 11 seasons in the NBA, including nearly nine years with the Bulls. He also played for the Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Nets, and Seattle SuperSonics. The Royals selected him in the fourth round of the 1965 draft out of Southern University.
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Chicago Bulls forward Bob Love, number 10, in action against the Atlanta Hawks at the Omni. (Required credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)
“While his on-court accomplishments are forever etched in history with his No. 10 jersey hanging from the rafters of the United Center, Bob's influence extends beyond basketball. It exceeded that.” “He was an inspirational person and became a passionate community ambassador for the Bulls, dedicated to philanthropy and uplifting the lives of countless people with his motivational speeches.
“We are deeply grateful for his enduring contributions and accomplishments both on and off the court in Chicago.”
Love grew up in Louisiana, one of 14 children, and his love of lima beans earned him the nickname “Butterbean.”
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Former Chicago Bulls player and team community director Bob Love hasn't lost touch with the ball since announcing his candidacy for Chicago's 15th Ward City Council on September 25, 2002. was shown to media personnel. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)
The peak of his professional career came in the early 1970s, when he was named an All-Star for three consecutive seasons from 1970 to 1973. The Bulls made the playoffs in each of those three seasons, but never advanced beyond the Western Conference semifinals.
He played in 789 career games, averaging 17.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
The Bulls retired Love's jersey in January 1994. He became the second member of the franchise to have his number retired. He joined Jerry Sloan at the time. He also attended the first Ring of Honor class in January.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bob Love, a true Chicago Bulls legend and beloved human being,” said Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “Bob was one of the original Bulls greats. ” he said. “During his nine seasons with the Bulls, Bob became a cornerstone of the franchise, and his tenacious defense set a high standard for competitiveness and toughness.
A former Chicago Bull prepares to shoot a basket after his wedding to Rachel Dixon during halftime of the Bulls' game against the San Antonio Spurs at the United Center in Chicago on December 8, 1995. star Bob Love. (AP Photo/Fred Jewell, File)
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“Toughness was not only a trademark of Bob's play on the court, but was also evident in his resilience throughout his basketball career. His impact on the Bulls and through his work in the community. He will forever be remembered by Bob for the countless lives he touched. Our deepest sympathies go out to Bob's wife Emily and his entire family.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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