Junior Bridgeman He was 71. He suffered a medical episode Tuesday in Louisville. But his death hits hard because of the person he was.

Yes, he played 10 years over two stints with the Bucks. His number 2 hangs from the rafters. Yes, he became a minority owner of the Bucks last September.

And yes, Junior was reported to be a billionaire from his holdings in Wendy's, Chili's, Coca-Cola Bottling, along with Ebony and Jet magazines, just to name some of his portfolio.

More importantly, Junior was a warm and decent human being. He never strutted around like he had all the answers, even if he seemed to have many of them.

In an era where sports greatness is celebrated, Junior offered something more. A path for others to follow, while never acting like a big shot.

Somehow, it seems tragically fitting that Junior fell sick at a fundraiser in Louisville. It was never about him.