Chicago Bulls Legend Bob Love, 81, Passes Away After Long Battle with Cancer

Bob Love, the iconic former Chicago Bulls forward, has passed away at the age of 81 following a lengthy battle with cancer. A three-time NBA All-Star, Love spent the majority of his career—nine of his 11 seasons—playing for the Bulls, where he became one of the franchise’s first stars. His remarkable career includes averaging 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game across 592 games with the Bulls from 1968 to 1976.

Love’s legacy goes beyond his on-court achievements. In 1994, his No. 10 jersey was retired by the Bulls, alongside Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan, cementing his place in the team’s history. Love’s contributions to the game were also recognized with three All-Star selections, two All-NBA second-team honors, and three All-Defensive second-team selections. His powerful defense and competitive spirit were defining traits, setting high standards for toughness and dedication within the franchise.

But Bob Love’s influence reached far beyond basketball. After retiring, he became a prominent community ambassador for the Bulls, dedicating himself to charitable work and motivational speaking. His efforts to uplift others made him an inspiration to countless people, and his resilience both on and off the court left an indelible mark on the Chicago community. The Bulls expressed their gratitude for his lasting impact, noting that Love’s legacy will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew him.

Love’s journey in basketball began after being drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in 1965. He played briefly for the Royals before being traded to Chicago in 1968, where he would go on to become one of the team’s original greats. He also had brief stints with the Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, and New Jersey Nets during his career.

The Bulls paid tribute to Love, stating, “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.” His passing marks the end of an era for the Bulls, but his legacy—both as a player and as a community figure—will live on.

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