Bob Love, a three-time NBA All-Star and a cornerstone of the Chicago Bulls during the franchise’s formative years, passed away Monday at 81 after a long battle with cancer. While Love’s tenacious play earned him a place in basketball history, his legacy extends far beyond the hardwood.
Known for his scoring prowess and relentless defense, Love spent nine seasons with the Bulls, averaging an impressive 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. A cornerstone of the franchise in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Love became one of the league’s premier forwards. During the 1971-72 season, he averaged a career-high 25.8 points, cementing his status as one of the NBA’s elite.
With his No. 10 jersey hanging in the rafters of the United Center, Love’s contributions to the Bulls are forever immortalized. “Bob is one of the original Bulls greats,” said team owner Jerry Reinsdorf. “His tenacious defense and toughness set a high standard for competition. His impact on the Bulls and the countless lives he touched through his work in the community will keep him in our memories forever.”
Born in northern Louisiana as one of 14 children, Love’s story is one of perseverance and grit. Nicknamed “Butterbean” for his love of lima beans, the 6-foot-8 forward rose from modest beginnings to basketball stardom. After starring at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Love was selected by the Cincinnati Royals in the fourth round of the 1965 NBA Draft.
Following brief stints with the Royals and Milwaukee Bucks, Love was traded to Chicago in 1968. It was with the Bulls that he found his stride, earning three consecutive All-Star appearances from 1970 to 1973 and becoming the franchise’s leading scorer during his era.
Love’s toughness defined not only his basketball career but also his post-playing life. After retiring in 1977, he faced significant challenges, including financial struggles and a speech impediment that limited his opportunities. But Love’s resilience shone through.
With the same determination that made him a force on the court, Love overcame these obstacles to become a motivational speaker and community ambassador for the Bulls. He dedicated his life to charitable causes, inspiring countless individuals with his story of perseverance and success.
The Bulls recognized Love’s extraordinary contributions by retiring his number in 1994, making him only the second player in franchise history to receive the honor. Earlier this year, Love was inducted into the Bulls’ inaugural Ring of Honor class, solidifying his place as a foundational figure in the team’s history.
Bob Love’s life was a testament to resilience, determination, and giving back. As the Bulls aptly put it in their tribute, “Bob’s impact transcended basketball. He became an inspirational figure and a passionate community ambassador, uplifting countless lives with his motivational speeches.”
In a league often defined by fleeting success, Love’s enduring legacy reminds us of the values that truly matter: hard work, humility, and a commitment to making the world a better place. Rest in peace, Butterbean—you will never be forgotten.
