MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks will commemorate Junior Bridgeman, a revered former player and minority owner, by wearing special patches on their jerseys for the remainder of the season following his death at the age of 71.
In tribute to Bridgeman, the team will have a moment of silence before their game against the Los Angeles Lakers this Thursday. In addition, a video tribute honoring Bridgeman’s contributions, both on and off the court, will be shown during the first quarter.
Bridgeman’s legacy with the Bucks is significant, having played with the team from 1975 to 1984, and once more in the 1986-87 season. His record of appearing in 711 games for the team ranks him third in franchise history, a testament to his enduring impact. His accomplishments are further celebrated with his No. 2 jersey prominently displayed in the rafters of the Fiserv Forum.
Beyond his athletic career, Bridgeman achieved remarkable success in the business world. Last summer, he acquired a 10% ownership in the Bucks, underscoring his commitment to the team. His business acumen was recognized by Forbes, which estimated his wealth into the billions earlier this year.
Although Bridgeman was originally the No. 8 overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1975 draft, his journey with them never commenced as he was immediately traded to Milwaukee. This trade was a part of a significant deal that delivered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Los Angeles, thereby setting Bridgeman on a path to become an integral part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ history.
