Bob Love, Former Chicago Bulls NBA All-Star, Passes Away at 81
Bob Love, a former Chicago Bulls forward and three-time NBA All-Star, has died at the age of 81.
The Bulls announced that Love, who averaged 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds over nine seasons with the team, passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.
“With his No. 10 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters, Bob’s basketball legacy is cemented, but his influence extended far beyond the court,” the Bulls stated. “He was an inspiring figure and a dedicated community ambassador, committed to charitable work and motivational speaking. We are deeply thankful for his remarkable contributions and lasting legacy in Chicago, both as a player and as a person.”
Raised in northern Louisiana, Love was one of 14 siblings and earned the nickname ‘Butterbean’ because of his love for lima beans.
In November 1968, Love and Bob Weiss were traded to the Bulls in exchange for Flynn Robinson. With the Bulls, Love rose to prominence as one of the league’s top forwards.
He earned All-Star honors for three consecutive seasons from 1970 to 1973 and achieved a career-best 25.8 points per game during the 1971-72 season.
Love retired after the 1976-77 season, finishing with career averages of 17.6 points and 5.9 rebounds in 789 games, also playing for the Nets and Seattle SuperSonics.
In January 1994, Love became the second Bulls player to have his jersey retired, following Jerry Sloan. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor as part of its inaugural class.