Death of Bob Love (1942-2024), true legend of the Bulls • Basket USA

THE Bullsand more generally the lovers of the NBA of yesteryear, are in mourning since we learned during the night of the death of Bob Love at 81 years old, following cancer. A player certainly little known to the general public, but who nevertheless led a good eleven-year career, distinguishing himself mainly in the 1970s at ChicagoSO.

A few years before the arrival of a certain Michael Jordan in town, it was indeed this 3/4 position who was the boss for the Illinois franchise, alongside Jerry Sloan and Chet Walker (also recently deceased) .

So much so that he was a three-time All-Star (1971, 1972, 1973), a member of the All-NBA Second Team twice (1971, 1972), and a member of the All-Defensive Second Team three times (1972, 1974, 1975).

The first real leader of the Bulls

With an average of 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in nine seasons with the Bulls, with peaks of more than 25 points and nearly 9 rebounds per game, Bob Love left his mark on “Windy City” so much that his number 10 was there. removed.

Only Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Jerry Sloan have also been entitled to such an honor (not counting Bill Russell whose number 6 is removed everywhere).

« I was the tireless and tireless player of the team. I wasn't complaining about it, but it was a lot of pressure. The guys always counted on me in attack and, sometimes, two or three opponents took turns to defend on me » will recall the person concerned, from a family of 14 children.

During his time in Chicago, under the orders of Dick Motta, the man who was nicknamed “Butterbean” (because he loved lima beans) certainly won nothing collectively, but he will have helped the franchise to complete four seasons at most of 50 victories and participate in two conference finals (West, at the time).

In particular, shaking the Lakers of Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West in 1971 and 1973, with two “Game 7s” in the conference semi-finals. Same against Rick Barry's Warriors, future champions in 1975 but pushed to a seventh round before that.

Michael Jordan eternally admiring

Also spent more briefly by the Royals, the Bucks, the Nets and the Supersonics between 1966 and 1977, Bob Love stood out for his ability to shine on both sides of the floor. And those who talk about it best are ultimately the players who have encountered and/or faced him.

« We had a lot of players who could score, but in the decisive moments, it was simple: we gave the ball to Bob Love » will tell Norm Van Lier, former All-Star point guard for the Bulls.

« Bob Love could score, but above all he was a great player on both ends of the court. In addition to having to score 20 points every night, he was always asked to take care of the opponent's best attacker, like Rick Barry, Elvin Hayes or Spencer Haywood. And he knew how to do it better than anyone… » will praise Nate Thurmond, the man with the quadruple-double who passed through Chicago.

« Bob Love was a formidable opponent. He always made me work hard on the field. I think he always wanted it in Milwaukee [de l’avoir transféré] and he made me pay for it… » avouera Bob Dandridge, Hall of Famer star des Bucks.

« Whenever I see Bob Love, I can't help but smile. I have nothing but admiration for him and always will. What he accomplished is very inspiring »Michael Jordan will say about him.

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.