CHICAGO (WGN) — An all-star for the Chicago Bulls in the 1970’s, franchise great Bob Love has died at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer, the team announced Monday.
Love played from 1968 to 1976 with the Chicago Bulls and was affectionately nicknamed “Butterbean” for his kind demeanor. The 6-foot-8-inch tall combo forward received MVP votes in six of his nine seasons in Chicago and made three all-star teams along the way.
Modern day, Love is the Bulls’ third leading scorer all-time, trailing only franchise greats Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in the points scored department, and is one of four players who have their number retired by the franchise (10), joining Jordan (23), Pippen (33) and Jerry Sloan (4).
The Bulls released the following statement on Love’s passing:
“Bob was a true legend and a beloved member of our family. 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 bot on and off the court in Chicago. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Emily, his family, and his many friends.” – The Chicago Bulls
Love was an inaugural member of the Bulls’ Ring of Honor class back in January, joining Artis Gilmore, Phil Jackson, Jordan, Johnny “Red” Kerr, Dick Klein, Jerry Krause, Toni Kukoc, Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Sloan, Chet Walker and Tex Winter — and one team, the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls — as the first members inducted into the franchise’s personal hall of fame.