Junior Bridgeman's basketball career is remembered for his consistent performance and reliability on the court. Born on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman attended the University of Louisville, where he played college basketball and honed his skills. His talent caught the attention of NBA scouts, and he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the eighth overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft. However, Bridgeman's time with the Lakers was short-lived, as he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks before the start of the season.
With the Milwaukee Bucks, Bridgeman found a team where he could thrive. He spent the majority of his NBA career with the Bucks, becoming a reliable sixth man and a fan favorite. Bridgeman was known for his scoring ability, particularly his jump shot, and his versatility allowed him to play both shooting guard and small forward positions. Over the years, he became one of the most dependable players coming off the bench, providing the Bucks with a steady offensive option.
Bridgeman's tenure with the Bucks was marked by consistent scoring and solid defense. He played a crucial role in helping the team reach the playoffs multiple times during his career. His best statistical season came in the 1979-1980 campaign when he averaged 17.6 points per game. Bridgeman's ability to perform under pressure and his work ethic earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.
In 1984, Bridgeman was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he continued to contribute as a valuable player. Although his time with the Clippers was shorter, he maintained his reputation as a reliable scorer and veteran presence on the team. After two seasons with the Clippers, Bridgeman returned to the Milwaukee Bucks for one final season before retiring from professional basketball in 1987.
Throughout his career, Bridgeman played in over 800 NBA games, scoring more than 11,500 points. His consistent performance and professionalism left a lasting impression on the league. Bridgeman's jersey number 2 was retired by the Milwaukee Bucks in recognition of his contributions to the team.
After retiring from basketball, Bridgeman transitioned into the business world, where he found success as an entrepreneur.
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