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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Junior Bridgeman, an outstanding basketball player who led Louisville to a Final Four appearance, enjoyed a 12-season career in the NBA before embarking on a highly successful business venture that included investments in publishing, restaurant chains, and the Milwaukee Bucks, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71.
Following his basketball career, Bridgeman became a well-known figure in Louisville, with Mayor Craig Greenberg announcing his passing and stating that the city had “lost a kind, generous and pioneering legend.”
“A U of L All-American, an NBA All-Star, and a self-made billionaire,” Greenberg noted in a statement. “His quiet yet profound efforts to help those in need, his deep love for his family, and his continuous support for our community are what I will remember most about Junior Bridgeman.”
Reports indicate that Bridgeman experienced a medical emergency at a Louisville hotel while attending a fundraising event on Tuesday.
Bridgeman played 711 games for the Milwaukee Bucks, ranking third all-time in the franchise history, following only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. The Bucks retired his No. 2 jersey in 1988.
“Through his determination and hard work, he established himself as one of the nation’s foremost business leaders, and in September, Junior returned to the Bucks organization as an owner, completing a remarkable full circle in his professional journey,” the Bucks stated. “His legacy will always inspire our organization.”
“We are heartbroken and deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family,” the Milwaukee Bucks tweeted.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed his sorrow, stating: “I am devastated by the news of Junior Bridgeman’s sudden passing. He epitomized the entrepreneurial spirit, successfully transitioning from a twelve-year NBA career into a respected and accomplished business leader.”
“For fifty years, he was a dedicated member of the NBA family, most recently as a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and an investor in NBA Africa. Junior set a standard for representing our league with integrity and grace.”
The Bucks had reported last year that Bridgeman had acquired a stake in the team during a press event attended by co-owner Jimmy Haslam, coach Doc Rivers, general manager Jon Horst, and several current players. Bridgeman later stated that he owned a 10% share.
“Being able to reconnect with the team in a new capacity was a dream come true,” Bridgeman remarked at that time.
During his playing career, Bridgeman was part of one of the most significant trades in NBA history. After the Los Angeles Lakers drafted him with the eighth overall pick in the 1975 draft, he was traded to Milwaukee in a deal that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers.
Bridgeman played for the Bucks from 1975 to 1984 and spent two years with the Los Angeles Clippers before returning to Milwaukee for his final NBA season in 1986-87. He ranks seventh in Bucks history for field goals made (4,142), ninth in total points (9,892), and tenth in minutes played (18,054).
Surviving Bridgeman are his wife, Doris, and their children Eden, Justin, and Ryan.
