Legendary Chicago Bulls Forward Has Passed Away At 81
11/18/2024 10:11 PM
Former All-Star forward Bob Love died Monday at age 81.
The Chicago Bulls, where Love played nine of his 11 NBA seasons, announced that he passed away after a long battle with cancer.
"Bob was a true legend and a beloved member of our family," the Bulls said in a statement. "During his nine remarkable seasons with the Bulls. Bob was a three-time NBA All-Star, a tenacious defender, and a cornerstone of our team. With his No. 10 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters, his on-court achievements are forever etched in history, but Bob's impact transcended basketball. He became an inspirational figure and a passionate community ambassador for the Bulls, dedicating himself to charitable causes and uplifting countless lives with his motivational speeches.
"We are profoundly grateful for his enduring contributions and legacy both on and off the court in Chicago. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Emily, his family, and his many friends."
The Cincinnati Royals selected Love in the fourth round of the 1965 draft out of Southern University. He played 14 games for the Milwaukee Bucks during their inaugural season before joining the Bulls during the 1968-69 campaign.
Love averaged 17.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game over his NBA career. He registered 21.3 points in 592 games with the Bulls, including a career-high 25.8 in 1971-72.
Love played every game in three seasons and missed just four games across five seasons from 1969 to 1974. He made two second All-NBA teams and was a three-time All-Defensive standout.
In January, the Bulls inducted Love into their inaugural Ring of Honor class. Per the Chicago Tribune's Julia Poe, Love called it "the most wonderful day of my life."
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Love's friends and family for their loss.
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