CHICAGO — Former Chicago Bulls forward Bob Love, who spent 11 years in the NBA and was a three-time All-Star, died Monday. He was 81 years old.
The Bulls announced that Love passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Love averaged 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in nine seasons with the team.
“While his No. 10 jersey hangs in the United Center rafters and his accomplishments on the court are forever etched in history, Bob's influence went beyond basketball,” the Bulls said in a statement. said. “He was an inspirational figure for the Bulls, becoming a passionate community ambassador, devoting himself 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.”
Raised in north Louisiana, Love was one of 14 children. He was nicknamed “Butterbean” because he loved lima beans.
The 6-foot-8 Love played at Southern University in Baton Rouge before being selected by Cincinnati in the fourth round of the 1965 NBA Draft. He played two seasons with the Royals and was selected by Milwaukee in the 1968 expansion draft.
“Bob was one of the all-time great Bulls players,” Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “During his nine seasons with the Bulls, Bob was a cornerstone of the franchise, and his tenacious defense set a high standard for competitiveness and toughness.
“Toughness was not only a trademark of Bob's play on the court, but also reflected in his resilience throughout his basketball career. His impact on the Bulls and his work in the community. The countless lives he touched through his work will remain in our memories forever.”
Love and Bob Weiss were traded to Chicago in November 1968 for Flynn Robinson. With the Bulls, Love developed into one of the best forwards in the NBA.
Love was named an All-Star for three consecutive seasons from 1970-73. In the 1971-72 season, he averaged 25.8 points, a team high and a career high.
Love retired after the 1976-77 season. He averaged 17.6 points and 5.9 rebounds in 789 career games, also playing for the Nets and Seattle SuperSonics.
In January 1994, Love became the second player in franchise history to have his number retired by the Bulls, along with Jerry Sloan.
Love joined the team's first Ring of Honor class in January of this year.
