Image Source: NBA.com
[Saba Sports News] Chicago Bulls legend Bob Love passed away Monday at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer.
The Bulls honored Love with a heartfelt tribute on X, recognizing his immense impact on and off the court. “Bob was a true legend and a beloved member of our family. … We are profoundly grateful for his enduring contributions and legacy,” the team wrote.
Affectionately nicknamed “Butterbean,” Love played 11 NBA seasons, with nine of them as a key figure for the Bulls. During his Chicago tenure, Love earned three All-Star selections, two All-NBA nods, and garnered MVP votes in six consecutive seasons from 1969-70 to 1975-76. Across 592 games with the Bulls, he averaged 21.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. He also had brief stints with the Cincinnati Royals, Seattle SuperSonics, and New York Nets.
The Bulls retired Love’s No. 10 jersey in 1994, making him only the second player in franchise history to receive the honor. Love remains third on the Bulls’ all-time scoring list, trailing only Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. His legacy continues to shine as one of Chicago’s all-time greats.