Bob Love
The stuttering superstar who found his voice on the court to lead the Bulls' first era of greatness.
Robert Earl Love (December 8, 1942 – November 18, 2024) was an American professional basketball player whose prime years defined the Chicago Bulls franchise. Born in Bastrop, Louisiana, to a sharecropper family, he overcame a severe stutter that once left him unable to speak for minutes at a time. After starring at Southern University and playing briefly for the Cincinnati Royals and Trenton Colonials, he joined the Bulls in 1969. There, the ambidextrous forward became an NBA All-Star three times, led his team in scoring for six consecutive seasons, and averaged over 21 points per game. In 2023, he was honored as a member of the inaugural Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor class.
- College
- Southern University
- Draft Year
- 1965
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Love's journey began in a two-bedroom shanty where he ran away from an abusive stepfather at age eight, finding refuge with his grandmother. His nickname, "Butterbean," stuck from childhood due to his love for the legume. Though recruited as a football quarterback who called plays by singing them to avoid stuttering, basketball coach Dick Mack convinced him to join Southern University's team after seeing him play in a gym. Love dominated college basketball, averaging 30.6 points and 18.2 rebounds as a senior while leading the SWAC in scoring. He was selected by the Cincinnati Royals in the fourth round of the 1965 NBA draft but was cut before the season started. After a standout year with the Trenton Colonials where he averaged 24 points and 18.5 rebounds, earning EPBL Rookie of the Year honors, he briefly signed with the ABA's New Orleans Buccaneers before the Royals threatened litigation. He eventually rejoined the NBA system, but his true legacy began when he became a starter for the Chicago Bulls at age 27 in the 1969–70 season.
In Their Own Story
In the 1965 NAIA tournament, Love delivered a legendary performance that foreshadowed his professional dominance. Facing Indiana Tech in the first round, he exploded for 34 points and grabbed 25 rebounds in a 94–77 victory. He followed this with 27 points against Eastern Montana before suffering a heartbreaking one-point loss to Ouachita Baptist despite holding a lead late in the game. Over those three tournament games, Love amassed 86 points and 53 rebounds, earning All-Tournament Team honors. Years later, his professional resilience shone in the playoffs; over 47 games with the Bulls, he averaged nearly 44 minutes and 23 points per game. Even after a back injury during the 1966–67 season threatened to end his career, Love returned to lead the Bulls in scoring for six straight seasons. His final tribute came in 2023 when he was named to the inaugural Ring of Honor class, cementing his status as only the second player in franchise history to have his number retired.
Reader's Guide
Love's prime with the Chicago Bulls spanned seven seasons from 1969 to 1976. During this period, he was an ambidextrous scorer who averaged over 21 points per game in six consecutive campaigns. He led the franchise in scoring and minutes played for multiple seasons, earning three NBA All-Star selections, two second-team All-NBA honors, and three second-team NBA All-Defensive Team nods. His rebounding remained consistent, ranging between 6 and 8.7 per game during these years. Beyond the court, Love's life story offers a guide to resilience; after retiring from the NBA due to his stutter, he worked as a dishwasher and busboy before rebuilding his career as a community affairs director for the Bulls and managing health and sanitation for a 70-restaurant chain at Nordstrom. He also became a motivational speaker for thousands of children, proving that his struggle with speech had transformed into a powerful tool for inspiration.
Did You Know?
- Love was not selected as an NBA starter until he was 27 years old, starting with the 1969–70 Chicago Bulls season.
- He called football plays by singing them to teammates because his stuttering prevented him from speaking them aloud in huddles.
- In a single NAIA tournament game against Indiana Tech, Love recorded 34 points and 25 rebounds.
- After retiring from basketball, he worked as a dishwasher and busboy before becoming an executive for the Bulls and Nordstrom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bob Love in Chicago Bulls history?
Bob Love was a pivotal small forward who served as the franchise icon during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He carried the team prior to Michael Jordan's era, transforming them from a new franchise into contenders.
What were Bob Love's most notable career statistics?
Averaging 25.0 points per game, he earned three consecutive All-Star selections while wearing jersey number 42. These achievements highlight his status as one of the most celebrated players in the organization's early history.
Why is Bob Love important to Bulls fans today?
He led the Bulls to their first significant playoff successes, establishing a legacy of excellence prior to the dynasty era. His smooth shooting and clutch performances remain a celebrated part of the team's growth during its early developmental years.
What specific skills defined Bob Love's playing style?
Known for his exceptional forward play, Love was recognized for having a smooth shooting stroke that made him the primary scoring threat. This ability allowed him to anchor the roster effectively during a critical period of growth.
When did Bob Love's tenure with the Bulls conclude?
His time with the franchise ended in 1976 after eight seasons of significant contribution. This marked the close of an era where he anchored the roster as a key offensive leader.
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