Chicago Bulls: 15 toughest players in franchise history

Next on our list is Bob Love, who was a part of the Bulls teams of the 1970s who became known for their toughness. A group that consisted of Love, Jerry Sloan, Artis Gilmore and Norm Van Lier were beloved for their toughness and defensive prowess on the court.

Love’s upbringing seemed to prepare him well for his time in Chicago. He grew up in an impoverished area of Louisiana to a mother who was only 15 years old at the time of his birth. Love did not know his biological father, and instead spent part of his youth living with his step-father, a former service member who apparently was violent and abusive.

He ran away at the age of eight and went to live with his grandmother. As the story goes, his stepfather went to reclaim him, whose grandmother met him with an ax handle and politely asked him to be on his way.

After enduring such a difficult childhood, life on the court was likely a breeze. It was probably what allowed him to return from a partially detached retina suffered in the 1972-73 NBA season. All he did that season was average 23.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. In fact, during his Bulls tenure, he put up terrific numbers including 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

Whether it was overcoming his stuttering issue, or escaping an abusive stepfather, Love seemed destined and determined to be a success. The fact that he had such an innate and intense drive, even as a boy, portended great things for him. The Bulls are fortunate enough to count him among their ranks.