Former Chicago Bulls forward Bob Love died Monday at age 81, the team announced, following “a long battle with cancer.”
Love was a three-time All-Star and played nine seasons with the Bulls as part of his 11-season NBA career. He averaged 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds with the team.
Drafted in 1965 by the Cincinnati Royals out of Southern University, the Louisiana native was traded to the Bulls in November 1968.
The Bulls retired his No. 10 jersey in 1994 and made him part of the inaugural Ring of Honor class in January.
“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,” the team statement read.
“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.”
