Washington Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocol, the team announced Friday. Unseld is the league’s 16th head coach to be placed in COVID-19 protocols.
Assistant coach Pat Delany will assume acting head coaching duties beginning with Saturday’s game against Portland.
Speaking with reporters Friday, Delany said he spoke with Unseld at great length and the head coach will continue to have an impact on the game plan, according to Hoop District.
The son of Bullets legend Wes Unseld Sr., Unseld is in his first season with the Wizards. He’s guided the team to a 22-20 start.
Unseld joins Wizards star Bradley Beal in COVID-19 protocol. Beal has missed the past two games and is out for Saturday’s game against the Blazers.
Meanwhile, Delany will get the opportunity to lead the Wizards in Unseld’s absence. Delany joined the Wizards in the past offseason after the hiring of Unseld. Delany was previously an assistant under Steve Clifford for seven seasons with the Charlotte Hornets (2014-2018) and Orlando Magic (2018-2021).
He also spent one season as a head coach in the G-League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He started his professional career as a video intern with the Boston Celtics during the 2001-02 season before spending 2002-2013 in various roles with the Miami Heat.
