The Milwaukee Bucks have nine numbers of former players hanging in their rafters. Of course, these included Hall of Famers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Marques Johnson, and Bob Dandridge. However, they also include players that left an indelible mark on the franchise, and one of these belongs to #2, Junior Bridgeman.
Only two players in franchise history donned a Bucks uniform in more games than Bridgeman: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. His 9,892 points during his 10 seasons in Milwaukee also rank ninth in the organization.
Unfortunately, the great self-made billionaire, a pillar of the Bucks community, passed away suddenly on Tuesday. He was 71 years old.
WKLY reports that his cause of death was most likely a heart attack.
The Milwaukee Bucks Release a Statement on the Passing of Junior Bridgeman
Milwaukee Bucks, Junior Bridgeman
An undated photo of Junior Bridgeman dunking. Bridgeman gave his best years to Milwaukee.
During his playing career, Bridgeman made $350,000 a season. While a lot of money to most people, it pales in comparison to what NBA players make today.
However, Bridgeman took much of his earnings and invested them in Wendy’s fast food restaurants. By 2016, his company ran 450 restaurants. He also had made himself into a billionaire and the fourth-richest current/former NBA player ever. Only Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James are estimated to have a net worth more than Bridgeman’s.
Just last year, Bridgeman became a minority owner of the Bucks franchise, returning to the team that first drafted him back in 1975.
The Bucks released the following statement regarding his passing:
“The Milwaukee Bucks are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman.
“Junior’s retired No. 2 jersey hangs in Fiserv Forum, serving as a constant remembrance of his outstanding play on the court and his impact on the Bucks’ success. His hard work and perseverance led him to become one of the nation’s top business leaders and, last September, Junior’s professional life came full circle when he returned to the Bucks family as an owner. His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization.
“We are heartbroken by Junior’s passing and we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Doris, his children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan, his entire family and all those close to him.
It is truly a sad day as Milwaukee has lost one of their all-time great players, and an even better member of the community.
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