Now with the latest reports indicating that Sanders may be thinking about packing things up for good, it doesn't appear to be getting any easier for the team or its fan base.
After a disastrous 2013-14 season, this year was supposed to be an opportunity for the former VCU Ram to bounce back and re-establish himself as a defensive force and premier shot-blocker.
Entering the first year of his 4yr/$44m contract extension he signed in August 2013, Sanders was poised to help lead the young Bucks out of the slums they found themselves in last year.
With a new coach (Jason Kidd), new ownership and the #2 pick (Jabari Parker) now in the fold, the Bucks finally had a couple pieces going for them. Add to that the progression of PG Brandon Knight and dynamic wing Giannis Antetokounmpo, and there was real cause for optimism in Milwaukee.
Instead of Sanders being an integral part in that, the 5 year pro has yet again failed to build off his immense talent and prove to the Bucks he is in fact, the cornerstone they thought they had.
Not to say his play or these latest developments should dampen the Bucks season much. On the contrary, the Bucks have been one of the biggest surprise stories of the Eastern Conference so far this season. Maybe even in the entire league.
After posting a 15-67 record in 2013-14, worst in the league, the Bucks had already surpassed that win total by the end of their 30th game. And despite losing prized rookie Jabari Parker for the rest of the year, the Bucks have a legitimate chance of securing a playoff spot... albeit in a less than stellar, top-heavy Eastern Conference.
Still, the situation surrounding Sanders is surely a difficult one for the team and it remains unclear if he himself has grown frustrated with his own personal short comings or if there is something bigger at play.
As sports fans, the idea of an athlete calling it quits in their prime years and walking away from millions of dollars may sound crazy but it's also something we've been accustomed to seeing from time to time for various reasons; family, stress, depression, fear of long term injury and more.
Not to mention, this isn't the first time we've heard Sanders talk about life beyond the court.
Although the Bucks head coach, Jason Kidd has attempted to end the speculation by telling anyone who will listen that Sanders is working hard to return to the team, the forward's prolonged absence for "personal reasons" seems to indicate something isn't right.
As it is with most things surrounding the man, much of the story remains a mystery.
