Milwaukee Bucks players brace for an ‘awkward’ reunion with beloved former teammate Jrue Holiday

It will undoubtedly be an emotional reunion for the Bucks and Jrue Holiday.

© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

A lot has changed for the Milwaukee Bucks this season in terms of personnel, but for the remaining members of the team that won the 2021 NBA title, the bond they share with former teammate Jrue Holiday will never waver. And as the Bucks prepare to meet the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on Wednesday night, several players are bracing for an emotional reunion.

More personal

Although Jrue spent a mere three seasons in Milwaukee, it was ample time for him to forge enduring bonds with several of his teammates, cultivating lifelong relationships. The veteran point guard’s time in Wisconsin ended last month when he was involved in the trade that brought All-Star Damian Lillard to the Bucks.

Bucks wingman Khris Middleton spoke of Jrue with equal parts reverence and nostalgia.

“It’s more personal,” Middleton said.

“Just ‘cause how he was with everybody on and off the court. He was a guy that was a good friend to a lot of people. A brother in so many ways to different people. So to see him on the other side is definitely going to be weird.”

While basketball was a huge part of the relationship, Middleton said there was more to it than just that.

“All the things he went through with us during his three years,” Middleton added.

“The ups and downs of the season, going through COVID – getting over the hump of COVID – and the things we went through during the playoffs. The conversations we had. The late-night convos. That type of stuff. About basketball, family, other issues.”

Always be their brother

Jrue may be donning a uniform with another shade of green, but for ace forward Bobby Portis, he will always be their brother, someone who will be remembered for all the things he did on the floor—helping the Bucks win the 2021 NBA crown—and the community.

“It’s our brother. When you play ball in the Fiserv Forum, and we tip up, and you look up at the championship, you can’t help but think about him, you feel me?” Portis said.

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