Former NBA forward Bob Love, who was a three-time All-Star that played in the league from 1966-77, has died at the age of 81, according to a statement from the Chicago Bulls and a report from Harvey Araton of The New York Times. Love died on Monday after a “long battle” with cancer, according to the organization.
“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 Bulls said in a statement. “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.”
After having an outstanding collegiate career at Southern University in Louisiana, Love was drafted 33rd overall in 1965 and began his NBA career with the Cincinnati Royals in 1966. He spent his first two seasons with the Royals, was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1968 expansion draft, then was dealt to the ‘Windy City’, Chicago, where his basketball talents shined.
The 6’8″ forward was a Bull for nine seasons, from 1968-76, earning three All-Star appearances from 1971-73 and two All-NBA Second Team berths. Love also earned All-Defensive Second Team honors three times (1972-74) and eventually had his No. 10 jersey retired by the franchise. Even though it was retired, Love was gracious enough to allow B.J. Armstrong to wear his number while playing for the Bulls from 1989–1995.
A severe back injury in 1977, when Love was a member of the Seattle SuperSonics, which eventually derailed and ended his playing career.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs Araton chronicled, Love, whose nickname was “Butterbean”, was challenged by a noticeable stutter that had an effect on his ability to speak in huddles during timeouts and to the media before and after games.
Love found himself strapped for cash after his playing career was over due in part to his marriage terminating and to his stuttering, which limited his employment opportunities. He took on a job of washing dishes and clearing tables at Nordstrom, where executive John Nordstrom promised him a promotion and a raise if he attended speech therapy with the company picking up the tab.
Love earned that promotion, becoming Nordstrom’s manager for health and sanitation, according to Araton, and was eventually brought back by Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf as the team’s director of community relations. Having overcome his debilitating stutter, Love used his voice for good causes, delivering motivational speeches at schools, churches, and community centers on behalf of the Bulls.
Love was part of the Bulls inaugural Ring of Honor class this year in January.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Bob Love, who leaves a legacy of excellence, resilience, and community impact,” Bulls CEO Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement.
“Some of my first basketball memories were of Bob playing for the Bulls, and it was an honor to get to know him as a colleague and friend. Bob worked for years for the Bulls as a community ambassador, spending countless hours sharing motivational messages with fans. Bob will always be remembered for the kindness and determination he demonstrated throughout his career on and off the court, and his unwavering commitment to helping others.”
