Junior Bridgeman, a former Milwaukee Bucks star and successful businessman, has passed away at the age of 71. He fell ill during an event in Louisville and sadly did not recover. His No. 2 jersey hangs in the Fiserv Forum, honoring his contributions both on and off the court.
Basketball Career
Bridgeman played in the NBA for 12 seasons, mainly with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Los Angeles Lakers originally drafted him in 1975, but they quickly traded him to the Bucks in a deal that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers.
During his career, Bridgeman became known for his consistent scoring and leadership. He played as a sixth man, often coming off the bench to provide energy and points. He averaged 13.6 points per game over his career, with his best season coming in 1979-80 when he scored 17.6 points per game.
Business Success
After retiring from basketball, Bridgeman built a highly successful business empire. He invested in fast-food franchises and became one of the largest restaurant franchise owners in the United States. His company owned hundreds of Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants.
Bridgeman later expanded his business into bottling and distribution, acquiring Coca-Cola bottling plants. His success made him one of the wealthiest former athletes.
Legacy and Impact
Bridgeman was respected not only for his basketball skills but also for his business success and generosity. He supported education programs and community development, inspiring young athletes to plan for life beyond sports.
His passing is a great loss to the basketball and business communities. Fans and former teammates remember him as a hard-working player, a smart businessman, and a kind-hearted leader.