The NBA and the basketball world mourn the loss of a legend and influential businessman with the passing of Junior Bridgeman at the age of 71 on Wednesday.
Bridgeman spent the majority of his 12-year playing career with the Milwaukee Bucks, also playing two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers before retiring. However, his impact extended far beyond the basketball court.
Bridgeman became a billionaire entrepreneur, owning 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants in 20 different states, Ebony and Jet magazines, Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, and holding a minority ownership stake in the Bucks franchise. This is just a glimpse of the lasting legacy he built in both the sports and business worlds.
In the wake of his passing, NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson shared an emotional tribute on his X account, calling Bridgeman a close “friend” and one of the “nicest guys you’ll ever meet.”
“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Junior Bridgeman,” Johnson posted. “I had the privilege of playing against him, and I’ll never forget how he had one of the sweetest jump shots in the NBA. But it was his character, his kindness, and his gentle soul that truly left a lasting impression on me. He was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet.”
He added, “Thank you, Junior, for being an inspiration on how to be a man, a husband, a father, and a businessman. You spent so much of your post-playing career mentoring and educating athletes and I always reference your journey when I speak to young athletes about transitioning from the court or field to the boardroom. Your legacy will transcend beyond your financial success to the doors you opened for so many and inspiring generations to come. Rest in peace, my friend. Cookie and I will be praying for his wife Doris, kids Eden, Justin, and Ryan, and the entire Bridgeman family”
Read his full statement:
Bridgeman’s playing career spanned from 1975 to 1987, where he became known for his smooth jump shot, playing both shooting guard and small forward throughout his time on the court. Johnson, who was drafted in 1980, played against Bridgeman for roughly seven seasons.
Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great Magic Johnson before the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
As Johnson noted, Bridgeman is a prime example of how to achieve success after basketball. He turned the fortune he made during his playing days into a lasting legacy, creating a business empire that will never be broken—something he achieved with both vision and determination.
