The new-look Portland Trail Blazers have reloaded but already have a looming Ja Morant problem before the season even begins. The Blazers acquired Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies over the summer, but that surprise deal could lead to problems.
In fact, new Blazers coach Micah Nori recently said he doesn't plan to start Morant and Damian Lillard together. That goes against what many expected the Blazers to do.
The basketball answer is bring Ja off the bench. Deni is the better driver. Dame’s shooting is additive for him and gives him the second ball-handler he didn’t have last year to share the load.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) October 2, 2026
The locker room management answer might be very different. https://t.co/apCe2nPvT6
Instead of starting both All-Star point guards, they will bring one off the bench. Given their two options, starting Lillard makes the most sense given that he is an elite shooter. However, that will come at the expense of Morant.
Moving Ja Morant to the bench may be a problem for the Blazers
Coming off the bench likely won't sit well with him. After all, he clashed with his former coach in Memphis over not being featured enough in their offense.
Then again, perhaps it could be better for his career. Remember, he's dropped off dramatically from his peak, when he averaged a career-high 27.4 points per game to now. in 2021-22
If he were to embrace a role off the bench, it could be better for his career, with him potentially being a top contender for Sixth Man of the Year. However, his recent track record suggests that he could bristle at the thought of coming off the bench.
That leads to questions about why the Blazers acquired Morant if they knew that he wouldn't fit next to Damian Lillard. However, if they can get him to buy in, then the move may be justified.
Ja Morant must adjust to thrive with the Blazers
Morant hasn't always shown a willingness to adapt to new coaches, after not seeing eye to eye with Toumas Lisalo. That doesn't inspire confidence that he will embrace moving to the bench.
Of course, it would be better for Portland if he did. Starting Lillard and Jrue Holiday together makes a lot more sense, since Lillard is an elite shooter and Holiday is a talented defender.
That's not to say the Blazers won't use three-guard lineups that include Lillard, Morant, and Holiday. That being said, it's clear Coach Nori doesn't plan on going that route with the starting lineup.
If everything works out for the Blazers, Lillard will give them a big offensive boost, and Morant buys in and thrives in a new role. It's entirely possible, but it's just too early to tell.
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