CHICAGO (AP) — Former Chicago Bulls forward Bob Love, a three-time All-Star who spent 11 years in the NBA, died Monday. He was 81 years old.
The Bulls said Love died after a long battle with cancer.
Love averaged 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in his nine seasons with the team.
“With his No. 10 jersey hanging from the rafters of the United Center, his exploits on the court are forever etched in history, but Bob’s impact transcended basketball,” the Bulls said in a statement. “He became an inspirational figure and passionate community ambassador for the Bulls, dedicating himself to charitable causes and uplifting countless lives with his motivational speeches. We are deeply grateful for his lasting contributions and legacy, on and off the field in Chicago.
Growing up in northern 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 for the Royals for two seasons before being selected by Milwaukee in the of the 1968 expansion draft.
Love and Bob Weiss were traded to Chicago in November 1968 for Flynn Robinson. With the Bulls, Love became one of the best forwards in the NBA.
Love was an All-Star for three consecutive seasons from 1970 to 1973. He averaged a career-high 25.8 points during the 1971-72 season.
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, joining Jerry Sloan. Love was part of the team’s first Ring of Honor class this year in January.
