A week ago, assistant Joseph Blair was quarantined at home — trying to stay active by using his exercise bike. These days, a now-healthy Blair is focused on a different task: Coaching the Washington Wizards.
Blair is now the Wizards’ third acting head coach of the season after the virus has sidelined Wes Unseld Jr. and Pat Delany, the assistant who filled in for Unseld. The situation puts the Wizards in a tough position — but one that’s not unique to them.
This season, 16 head coaches have been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols — just over half the league.