Three-time NBA All-Star and iconic Chicago Bulls player, Bob Love, died on November 18, 2024, at the age of 81 following a prolonged fight with cancer. Love’s life journey, from humble beginnings to NBA fame, and later as a motivational speaker and community leader, is a testament to his grit and determination.
Love was born on December 8, 1942, in Bastrop, Louisiana, and was one of 14 siblings. His affection for lima beans earned him the moniker “Butterbean”. He showcased his athletic prowess at Southern University, earning three-time NAIA All-American and All-Southwestern Conference accolades. During his senior year, he averaged 30.6 points and 18.2 rebounds per game. This led to his selection by the Cincinnati Royals in the fourth round of the 1965 NBA Draft.
Love’s NBA career took off during his nine-season stint with the Chicago Bulls from 1968 to 1976. At 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, he averaged 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds across 592 games. Love led the Bulls in scoring for seven straight seasons, second only to Michael Jordan in the franchise’s history. He received two All-NBA Second Team honors and three All-Defensive Second Team selections. In 1994, the Bulls retired his No. 10 jersey, making him the second player in the franchise’s history to receive such recognition.
Off the court, Love grappled with a severe stuttering issue. After retiring from basketball, he found it challenging to secure employment, eventually working as a dishwasher and busboy. However, in the 1980s, with Nordstrom’s support, he underwent successful speech therapy, paving the way for his aspiration to become a public speaker.
In 1992, Love returned to the Bulls as the Director of Community Affairs. He became a motivational speaker, delivering hundreds of speeches each year to teenagers and community groups. His journey from personal adversity to inspiring others was documented in the film “Find Yourself A Dream – The Bob Love Story,” featuring interviews with NBA legends, including Michael Jordan.
Love’s alma mater, Southern University, retired his No. 41 jersey in 2012, acknowledging his collegiate accomplishments. In January 2024, he was inducted into the Bulls’ inaugural Ring of Honor, a recognition of his enduring impact on the organization. Love’s life story serves as a powerful inspiration, underscoring the significance of persistence and community involvement.
