The NBA community is mourning the loss of Junior Bridgeman, who died at 71. Bridgeman’s impact off the court was massive, including to legends like Shaquille O’Neal.
Bridgeman built an incredible business empire worth over $1.4 billion after his NBA career, becoming one of the wealthiest former athletes. His success inspired O’Neal, who shared an emotional tribute after hearing the news of his death.
Shaquille O’Neal Pays Tribute to Junior Bridgeman
Bridgeman’s passing on Tuesday, March 11, came as a shock, and many in the basketball world paid their respects. For Shaquille O’Neal, this loss felt personal. O’Neal revealed that Bridgeman played a key role in shaping his journey as a businessman.
“Everything that he did, I tried to pattern after him, this one really hit hard for me because he was definitely someone that I looked up to,” O’Neal said. “If it weren’t for Bridgeman, I wouldn’t have known where to start, he gave me all the secrets. He opened the book, definitely a dear friend.”
Bridgeman’s NBA career began in 1975 when the Los Angeles Lakers selected him as the No. 8 overall pick in the draft. However, he never played for the Lakers, as he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a deal that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Los Angeles.
He spent nine seasons in Milwaukee before being traded to the Clippers. After two years in Los Angeles, he returned to the Bucks for his final NBA season. In 12 years in the league, he averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
Bridgeman’s true success story, though, began after basketball. He built a massive business empire, owning over 100 Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants. He later became a bottler for Coca-Cola and held a minority ownership stake in the Bucks.
In 2016, Forbes ranked him as the fourth-wealthiest retired athlete in the world, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion.
Bridgeman’s death was reported as a medical emergency, which he suffered on Tuesday, March 11, during the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon on Scouting. According to reports, the former Bucks player was being interviewed at the Galt House Hotel when he suffered a heart attack.
Bucks Issue Heartfelt Message for Bridgeman
Following the news of his passing, the Bucks organization released a heartfelt statement, mourning the loss of their former star and part-owner.
“The Milwaukee Bucks are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman,” the Bucks’ statement read.
Bridgeman’s contributions to the Bucks were undeniable. His No. 2 jersey hangs in the rafters of Fiserv Forum, a testament to his role in shaping the team’s history.
We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman. We send our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/XakoTcDeF5
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 11, 2025
“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.”
His death is a huge loss, especially for those he mentored, like O’Neal, who continues to follow in his footsteps in business. While Bridgeman may be gone, his legacy, both in basketball and beyond, will live on.