Bob Love, a three-time NBA All-Star with the Chicago Bulls, died on Monday after a protracted battle with most cancers, the staff stated. He was 81.
Love performed 11 seasons within the NBA, together with almost 9 years with the Bulls. He additionally performed for the Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Nets and Seattle SuperSonics. The Royals chosen him within the fourth spherical of the 1965 draft out of Southern College.
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Chicago Bulls ahead Bob Love, #10, in motion towards the Atlanta Hawks at The Omni. (Obligatory Credit score: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports activities)
“Together with his No. 10 jersey hanging within the United Middle rafters, his on-court achievements are ceaselessly etched in historical past, however Bob’s impression transcended basketball,” the Bulls stated. “He grew to become an inspirational determine and a passionate neighborhood ambassador for the Bulls, dedicating himself to charitable causes and uplifting numerous lives together with his motivational speeches.Â
“We’re profoundly grateful for his enduring contributions and legacy each on and off the court docket in Chicago.”
Love grew up in Louisiana as one in all 14 kids and was nicknamed “Butterbean” for his love of lima beans.
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Former Chicago Bulls participant and director of neighborhood affairs for the staff, Bob Love, reveals media members that he hasn’t misplaced his contact with the ball after asserting his candidacy for Alderman within the metropolis’s fifteenth ward on Sept. 25, 2002 in Chicago. (AP Picture/M. Spencer Inexperienced, File)
The peak of his skilled profession got here within the early Seventies, when he was an All-Star for 3 consecutive seasons from 1970-1973. The Bulls made the playoffs every of these three seasons however by no means bought additional than the Western Convention Semifinals.
He averaged 17.6 factors and 5.9 rebounds per sport in 789 profession video games.
The Bulls retired Love’s jersey in January 1994. He was the second member of the franchise to have his quantity retired. He joined Jerry Sloan on the time. He was additionally part of the inaugural Ring of Honor class again in January.
“I’m deeply saddened by the lack of Bob Love, a real Chicago Bulls legend and beloved human being. Bob is without doubt one of the authentic Bulls greats,” Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf stated. “Throughout his 9 seasons with the Bulls, Bob grew to become a cornerstone of the franchise, and his tenacious protection set excessive requirements for competitors and toughness.Â
Former Chicago Bulls star Bob Love prepares to shoot a basket after his wedding ceremony to Rachel Dixon throughout halftime of the Bulls’ sport towards the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 8, 1995 on the United Middle in Chicago. (AP Picture/Fred Jewell, File)
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“Toughness was not solely a trademark of Bob’s play on the court docket, but additionally obvious in his resiliency all through his basketball profession. His impression on the Bulls and the numerous lives he touched by way of his work locally will maintain him in our reminiscences ceaselessly. We ship our deepest condolences to Bob’s spouse, Emily, and his total household.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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