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[Saba Sports News] Stan Love, the father of Miami Heat forward Kevin Love, has passed away at the age of 76.
Kevin Love shared the news on Sunday through a heartfelt Instagram post, revealing that his father had battled a long illness. The five-time All-Star reflected on the difficult final months and acknowledged the complexities of their relationship.
“As the memories stream down my face, I feel as if I can see it all so clearly now. It’s a messed-up fact of life that toward the end — your own life or someone else’s — things that once seemed so complicated and confusing now seem transparent,” Love wrote.
“Like all of us, my Dad was imperfect. But despite his flaws, and my own, we are a successful story of father and son. A never-ending bond, rooted in love, that will forever remain eternal.
Dad, I’m so proud to be your son. My only hope is that you’re proud of me. It was all I ever wanted. Thank you for everything.”
Like his son, Stan Love was a professional basketball player. The 6-foot-9 forward starred at the University of Oregon before being selected ninth overall by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1971 NBA Draft.
Stan played four NBA seasons with the Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs, averaging 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. He was also the younger brother of Beach Boys singer Mike Love.
Kevin Love has been away from the Heat in recent weeks for personal reasons and is not expected to play in Monday’s Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Miami trying to avoid a first-round sweep.