Chicago Bulls icon and three-time NBA All-Star, Bob Love, died on November 18, 2024 at 81 years old following a long fight with cancer. Love’s life, marked by determination and resilience, saw him rise from humble beginnings to NBA fame, later becoming a motivational speaker and community leader.
Love, born on December 8, 1942 in Bastrop, Louisiana, was one of 14 children. His affinity for lima beans earned him the nickname “Butterbean.” At Southern University, he stood out as a three-time NAIA All-American and All-Southwestern Conference selection, averaging 30.6 points and 18.2 rebounds per game during his final year. His college success paved the way for his fourth-round selection in the 1965 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals.
During his nine seasons with the Chicago Bulls from 1968 to 1976, Love’s NBA career blossomed. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, he averaged 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds over 592 games. Love led the Bulls in scoring for seven consecutive seasons, a record surpassed only by Michael Jordan in the franchise’s history. His performance earned him All-NBA Second Team honors twice and three All-Defensive Second Team selections. In 1994, the Bulls retired Love’s No. 10 jersey, making him the second player in the team’s history to receive this distinction.
Despite his NBA success, Love had a challenging life off the court owing to a severe stuttering problem. Upon retiring from basketball, Love found it difficult to secure a job and took up positions as a dishwasher and busboy. However, in the 1980s, Nordstrom’s support enabled him to undergo speech therapy that significantly improved his speech, allowing him to fulfill his aspiration of becoming a public speaker.
In 1992, Love returned to the Bulls as the Director of Community Affairs and became a motivational speaker, giving hundreds of speeches each year to teenagers and community groups. His inspiring journey, from overcoming personal obstacles to motivating others, was documented in the film “Find Yourself A Dream – The Bob Love Story,” which included interviews with NBA greats like Michael Jordan.
Love’s No. 41 jersey was retired by his alma mater, Southern University, in 2012 in recognition of his college accomplishments. In January 2024, he was inducted into the Bulls’ inaugural Ring of Honor, acknowledging his lasting influence on the organization. Love’s life serves as a timeless inspiration, underscoring the power of perseverance and the significance of community involvement.
