Magic's Jamahl Mosley disappointed to miss MLK Day game due to COVID-19 protocols

The Orlando Magic confirmed earlier on Monday that head coach Jamahl Mosley and assistant Nate Tibbetts would miss the Martin Luther King Jr. Day evening home game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of the NBA's health and safety protocols related to COVID-19. 

Mosley and Portland's Chauncey Billups are two of the league's five Black head coaches in their first seasons in charge of their teams, and Billups hosted Mosley when the latter made a recruiting trip to the University of Colorado in 1996. The Orlando coach told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski he's disappointed to not be working Monday's matchup in person. 

"This is such a big day -- with meaning behind myself and so many others having this opportunity because of what Dr. King fought for," Mosley explained. "Our locker rooms are represented by his dream. His words, example of leadership, fight for equality and strength are just as important now as they were then."

Mosley continued: "I'll really miss being out there against Chauncey, a fellow Buff." 

Assistant Jesse Mermuys is serving as Orlando's acting coach until Mosley clears the coronavirus protocols. The 8-36 Magic play at the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, and Mosley's status for that contest was unclear as of early Monday evening.