The NBA announced the heartbreaking news on Tuesday that Milwaukee Bucks minority owner and 12-year veteran of the league Junior Bridgeman had passed away at the age of 71.
In a statement released by the league, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver gave his heartfelt condolences to Bridgeman's family, also expressing his impact on the game of basketball.
"I am devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Junior Bridgeman," Silver said. "Junior was the ultimate entrepreneur who built on his impactful 12-year NBA playing career by becoming a highly respected and successful business leader. He served as a mentor to generations of NBA players and athletes across sports who were eager to learn from him about what it takes to thrive in the business world."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Milwaukee Bucks minority owner, NBA Africa investor and former NBA player Junior Bridgeman. pic.twitter.com/BvPjODKah8
— NBA (@NBA) March 12, 2025
The NBA world has been reacting to this heartbreaking news, including Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell who posted a message on X.
"Junior Bridgeman," Russell wrote, adding praying hands.
Junior Bridgeman
— D'Angelo Russell (@Dloading) March 11, 2025
Russell is in his second stint with the Nets after being acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade earlier this season. The Nets guard joins a long list of current and former NBA players who have acknowledged the passing of Bridgeman.
As so many are highlighting, Bridgeman's impact went beyond his contributions on the court. The former NBA star was an ambassador for the league and an inspiration for players seeking his knowledge on how to thrive in business.
In his 12 NBA seasons, Bridgeman spent 10 of them with Milwaukee, playing the other two for the Los Angeles Clippers.
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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 11:20 AM.