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Ja Morant’s transfer from Memphis to Portland, made official on 29 June, continues to be the subject of much discussion. Three weeks after this move that rocked the NBA, an unexpected question is causing a stir in the league: could the two-time All-Star start games… on the bench?
Micah Nori, the Trail Blazers’ new head coach, has addressed the issue head-on. His message can be summed up in one sentence: he takes people at their word. And Morant has already stated publicly that he would accept whatever role the coaching staff assigned him, without conditions.
Micah Nori, the Trail Blazers’ new head coach, has addressed the issue head-on.
A backcourt brimming with talent
The problem is purely mathematical. Portland currently field five top-class guards: Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and now Ja Morant. Five players for two positions – an equation impossible to solve without sacrificing at least one ego.
Morant, for his part, has always been a starter. In Memphis, he started 325 of his 327 NBA games, building his legacy with the ball in hand, attacking the basket in a way few point guards can. The idea of seeing him wait on the bench at the start of a match would have seemed absurd just a month ago. Yet the man himself doesn’t seem to take offence at it.
“I take people at their word,” explained Micah Nori. “If it comes to that, I’ll say to him: you said you didn’t mind. But above all, I think players like Ja, Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, with everything they’ve been through, want to win more than anything else.”
“Winning is the most important thing”
The Portland coach’s statement reflects a clear philosophy: the team comes before individual statistics. Nori, who is taking on his first head coaching role after years as an assistant in Minnesota, is banking on the intelligence of his squad. He points out that his star players are no longer rookies seeking recognition, but seasoned competitors.
“Whether you’re a starter or coming off the bench, as long as you get your minutes… I’m not saying it’s easy, but that’s what matters,” he added, aware that working together will require some adjustments.
Nevertheless, the prospect of Ja Morant as the sixth man raises legitimate questions. Is his style of play, based on explosiveness and creativity, compatible with shorter stints on the court and a role as a spark off the bench? The question remains open, and the first pre-season matches will provide some answers.
The gamble on maturity
Beyond the tactical aspect, Portland is also banking on Morant’s renewed maturity. The off-court incidents that have punctuated his career in Memphis seem to be behind him. The 26-year-old has sent out a string of positive signals since arriving in Oregon, talking about ‘starting from scratch’ and introducing ‘a different Ja’ to Blazers fans.
Micah Nori wants to believe in it. If their point guard lives up to his stated intentions, Portland could quickly silence the many doubts raised by this signing. And, incidentally, have the league’s most formidable weapon… coming off the bench.