Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player known for his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire entrepreneur, passed away recently at the age of 71 due to a medical emergency during an event in Louisville, Kentucky. He had a heart attack while attending a fundraising luncheon, drawing the attention of emergency medical teams.
The NBA community is mourning his loss. Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his sorrow, highlighting Bridgeman as an exceptional entrepreneur who guided many athletes in navigating the business world. Bridgeman’s contributions to the league extended beyond his playing days, as he recently became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, the team he once played for.
Born in East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman made a name for himself in high school by leading his team to a state championship. He went on to shine at the University of Louisville, earning All-American honors and reaching the Final Four in 1975. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted him, but he soon joined the Milwaukee Bucks in a significant trade for superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
During his 12-year NBA career, Bridgeman was known as a talented sixth man, averaging 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Notably, he served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 1985 to 1988. Despite earning only about $2.95 million throughout his playing career, he built an impressive business empire afterwards, operating over 450 fast-food restaurants and becoming a Coca-Cola distributor.
In September, Bridgeman acquired a 10% stake in the Bucks, and Forbes reported that his net worth had climbed past $1.4 billion. The Bucks remembered him as a legendary player whose retired jersey number serves as a tribute to his impact on the team and the community.
Bridgeman’s path to success was paved by determination. Growing up, he faced financial challenges, even struggling to afford a Boy Scouts membership. He held various jobs to support his family throughout high school and college, showcasing his work ethic early on. After basketball, he remained active in the Louisville community, helping others and becoming a role model for aspiring athletes.
His commitment to financial literacy for young players was especially notable. Bridgeman often spoke to rookies and veterans about managing money wisely, sharing lessons from his own life. He understood that wealth can be fleeting, emphasizing the importance of building generational wealth for future families.
In an interview, Bridgeman reflected on his post-NBA life as fulfilling and enjoyable, likening it to his love for basketball. As the basketball world remembers Junior Bridgeman, his legacy of hard work, philanthropy, and mentorship continues to inspire many.
