Bob “Butterbean” Love has died.
He was 81.
“We mourn the passing of Bob Love, who passed away today in Chicago at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer,” the Bulls said in a post on X. “Bob was a true legend and a beloved member of our family.”
The 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward was a native of Louisiana. He was one of 14 children and picked up his nickname because he liked lima beans.
Love starred collegiately at Southern before being taken in the fourth-round, 33rd-overall, of the 1965 draft by the Cincinnati Royals. He came into his own in the league though when he joined the Bulls in 1968 after being traded from Milwaukee along with Bob Weiss for Flynn Robinosn.
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He was an All-Star for three straight seasons from 1970-1973, and averaged a whopping 25.8 points per game in the 1971-1972 season.
Love also spent time with the New York Nets and Seattle SuperSonics before his playing days wrapped in 1977.
He finished with 13,895 points, averaging 17.6 per game, to go with 4,653 rebounds and 1,123 assists.
His No. 10 jersey was retired by the Bulls.
“With his No. 10 jersey hanging in our rafters, his on-court achievements are forever etched in history, but Bob’s impact transcended basketball,” the Bulls’ 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. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Emily, his family, and his many friends.”