Former Chicago Bulls star forward Bob Love, a revered figure in basketball and beyond, passed away Monday at the age of 81 after a prolonged fight with cancer.
Love, a three-time NBA All-Star, played nine of his 11 professional seasons with the Bulls, where he became a cornerstone of the franchise. In 1994, he joined Jerry Sloan as one of the first Bulls to have his jersey retired, cementing his legacy with his No. 10 now permanently displayed in the United Center rafters.
“Bob’s on-court achievements are a vital part of Bulls history, but his impact reached far beyond basketball,” the team said in a statement. “As a community ambassador, he devoted his life to charitable work and inspired countless lives through motivational speeches. His enduring contributions to Chicago will always be remembered.”
During his tenure with the Bulls from 1968 to 1976, Love averaged 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds across 592 games, establishing himself as one of the team’s premier players. He also played for the Cincinnati Royals, Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Nets in a career that spanned over a decade.
“Bob Love is one of the original greats in Bulls history,” said team owner Jerry Reinsdorf. “His fierce defense and relentless play set a standard for toughness that defined the franchise. Off the court, his resilience and commitment to bettering the community left an indelible mark. His legacy will forever remain in our hearts.”
Drafted in the fourth round of the 1965 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals, Love began his career modestly before rising to prominence. Following a brief stint with the Royals, he was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1968 expansion draft and subsequently traded to the Bulls, where his career flourished.
From 1971 to 1973, Love was selected for three consecutive All-Star games, earned two All-NBA Second Team honors, and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team three times.
Bob Love’s contributions to basketball and his community have left an enduring legacy that will be celebrated for generations.
