Former Chicago Bulls star Bob Love died Monday after battling cancer, the team announced. He was 81.
A forward out of Southern University, Love played 11 seasons in the NBA, nine spent with Chicago. Traded to the Bulls in the middle of the 1968-69 season, Love became one of the first stars in the franchise’s young history. He was a three-time All-Star while playing for Chicago, including in the 1971-72 season when he averaged a career-high 25.8 points per game and finished sixth in MVP voting.
He was also part of the 1973-74 team that won the franchise’s first playoff series. During his time in Chicago, he also made the All-NBA second team twice and was on the All-Defensive second team three times.
‘Bob is one of the original Bulls greats,’ team owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. ‘During his nine seasons with the Bulls, Bob became a cornerstone of the franchise, and his tenacious defense set high standards for competition and toughness. Toughness was not only a trademark of Bob’s play on the court, but also apparent in his resiliency throughout his basketball career. His impact on the Bulls and the countless lives he touched through his work in the community will keep him in our memories forever.’
Love also played for the Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Nets and Seattle SuperSonics. He finished his career averaging 17.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. In 1994, he became the second person in team history to have their jersey retired, with his No. 10 hung up alongside Jerry Sloan’s No. 4. Love was involved in the Chicago community after his playing days.
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‘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,’ the team said. ‘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.’
