After starring at Southern College in Louisiana, Love was drafted thirty sixth total in 1965 and started his NBA profession with the Cincinnati Royals in 1966. He spent his first two seasons with Cincinnati, was chosen by the Bucks within the 1968 enlargement draft, then was traded to Chicago, the place he flourished.
The 6’8″ ahead performed 9 years with the Bulls, incomes three All-Star nods from 1971-73 and two All-NBA Second Staff berths. Love additionally earned All-Defensive Second Staff honors thrice (1972-74) and finally had his No. 10 jersey retired by the franchise.
A again harm in 1977, when Love was a member of the Seattle SuperSonics, in the end ended his enjoying profession.
As Araton particulars, Love – whose nickname was “Butterbean” – was stricken by a stutter that impacted his capability to talk in huddles throughout timeouts and to reporters earlier than and after video games.
Love discovered himself quick on cash after his enjoying profession was over due partly to the tip of his marriage and partly to his stuttering, which restricted his employment alternatives. He washed dishes and cleared tables at Nordstrom, the place govt John Nordstrom promised him a promotion and a increase if he underwent speech remedy on the corporate’s dime.
Love earned that promotion, changing into Nordstrom’s supervisor for well being and sanitation, based on Araton, and was finally introduced again by Bulls proprietor Jerry Reinsdorf because the crew’s director of group relations. Having overcome his inhibiting stutter, Love delivered motivational speeches at faculties, church buildings and group facilities on behalf of the Bulls.
“We’re heartbroken by the lack of Bob Love, who leaves a legacy of excellence, resilience, and group influence,” Bulls CEO Michael Reinsdorf stated in a press release. “A few of my first basketball recollections had been of Bob enjoying for the Bulls, and it was an honor to get to know him as a colleague and good friend. Bob labored for years for the Bulls as a group ambassador, spending numerous hours sharing motivational messages with followers. Bob will all the time be remembered for the kindness and dedication he demonstrated all through his profession on and off the courtroom, and his unwavering dedication to serving to others.”
