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Arizona grads Joseph Blair, Jesse Mermuys make NBA head coaching debuts on same day

The NBA’s COVID-19 protocols have allowed numerous players an opportunity to see action they otherwise may never have gotten.

Some NBA assistants are also receiving temporary promotions because of head coaches entering health and safety protocols.

On Monday, Arizona grads Joseph Blair and Jesse Mermuys were elevated to acting head coach of their organizations, Blair with the Washington Wizards and Mermuys with the Orlando Magic.

Blair assumed head coaching duties ahead of the Wizards’ 117-98 win over Philadelphia after acting head coach Pat Delaney entered protocols (Washington coach Wes Unseld Jr.