Chicago Bulls Legend Bob Love Dies at 81 After Long Battle With Cancer, Team Says

Love was a key member of the Bulls' first championship team in 1971

Bob Love, a key member of the Chicago Bulls' first championship team in 1971, has died at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer, the team announced Tuesday.

A gifted scorer and rebounder, Love was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019

Love was a gifted scorer and rebounder who played 11 seasons in the NBA. He was a three-time All-Star and was named to the NBA's All-Defensive Second Team in 1972.

Love was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in 1965

Love was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in 1965 and played for the Royals until 1968. He was then traded to the Bulls, where he spent the rest of his career.

In his 11 NBA seasons, Love averaged 14.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He was a key member of the Bulls' first championship team in 1971, alongside Jerry Sloan, Norm Van Lier, and Chet Walker.

Love was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.

Love's death is a loss for the basketball community

Love's death is a loss for the basketball community. He was a great player and a great person. He will be remembered for his contributions to the game of basketball and for his dedication to the city of Chicago.