Bubble Bound: Eric Bledsoe Joins Bucks in Orlando

It feels like only yesterday that Milwaukee Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe was reported to have tested positive for coronavirus. That might be a symptom of the widespread social distancing, where many people are working from home and time therefore has no meaning. In any case, it’s a pleasant surprise to see news of Bledsoe’s arrival in Orlando late last night.

Last week, we went in depth on what a positive COVID-19 test actually means, and tried to piece together the timeline of what happened and what could happen once Bledsoe was set to rejoin the Bucks. Originally and consistently reported as asymptomatic, the working assumption is that Bledsoe was exposed to the virus enough to register a positive test, but for reasons we don’t yet know his body was able to withstand it and cause him no symptoms.

Again, just because he wasn’t sick doesn’t mean that he couldn’t have acted as a vector for the virus to make someone else sick. To that end, the league imposed pretty strong regulations on what it would require before allowing admittance into the bubble. Since Eric Bledsoe is currently in Florida and not in Wisconsin, it’s safe to say that these things have happened:

• At least 14 days must have passed from the latter of their first positive test or the resolution of their symptoms.
• They must pass two negative PCR tests at least 24 hours apart.
• They must return a positive antibody test within the past 30 days.

So what’s left? Reportedly, Bledsoe must still “pass a negative rapid coronavirus test before taking part in any close, physical contact with other people,” and even then he will be required to self-quarantine for at least two days (and probably longer) before sharing space with the team inside the bubble.

More than anything, we’re thrilled that Bledsoe is healthy enough to travel, in the hopes that he and his family were able to avoid any ill effects from COVID-19. He may not be able to join today’s scrimmage against San Antonio, but it’s reassuring that the Bucks have their All-Defensive Team point guard back in the fold.