Ja Morant wants to leave his sad past behind: "It's an opportunity to start anew"

Ja Morant is facing one of the most important stages of his career. The point guard, traded this summer from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Portland Trail Blazers, stated this Saturday that the change of franchise represents an opportunity to "start from scratch" and show that the negative image that still accompanies him does not reflect who he truly is.

In his first public statements since the trade was finalized in June, the two-time All-Star admitted that his main goal is to change the perception that exists about him following the events that marked his time in Memphis.

"What I would like to clarify is my image. That I am not a bad guy. I am Ja. What I did in the past has already been addressed and resolved. I don't understand why, years later, it is still a topic when nothing has happened since then," he stated during the Las Vegas Summer League.

Morant was caught up in a major controversy in 2023 after being involved in two incidents where he was seen displaying a firearm during live Instagram broadcasts. Those incidents resulted in an eight-game suspension and a further 25-game suspension imposed by the NBA. Additionally, last season, he was also sanctioned by the Grizzlies following a heated confrontation with coach Tuomas Iisalo after a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Now, at 26 years old, he embarks on a new adventure in Portland after the Trail Blazers sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis to acquire the 2019 Draft's second pick.

"New home, new team, new organization. I will be able to show Portland fans a different version of Ja. It's like starting over," the point guard explained. "I have grown a lot during these years, learned a lot, and my mindset has changed. I feel more mature and ready to work."

Morant also pointed out that the environment in Portland fits perfectly with the personal phase he is going through. The player, sponsored by Nike, is familiar with the city from frequent visits to the company's headquarters and confessed that in recent months, he has found peace in outdoor activities.

"I have been immersed in nature. I go for walks, ride my bike, go kayaking... I simply appreciate being alive, enjoying my family, and now having a fresh start. All of this clears the mind," he noted.

In the sports aspect, Morant joins a Trail Blazers team filled with talent on the perimeter, where he will share the locker room with Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe. Unconcerned about playing time distribution, the point guard affirmed that he is willing to assume any role.

"All of them can bring out new facets of my game, and I will do the same with theirs. I don't think there will be issues with playing time. We are all very giving players," he stated.

His Season with the Grizzlies

The past season was limited by injuries, with him only playing 20 games, though he averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game. Morant stated that he is fully recovered physically after spending the last four months training while rumors about his departure from Memphis circulated.

Despite leaving, the point guard made it clear that he holds no resentment toward the franchise with which he made four playoffs in seven seasons.

"Memphis will always be my home. I still have a relationship with many of my former teammates. The love I received was immense. There may be fans who speak ill of me, but I see it as tough love from family. I love Memphis, I love its fans, and those were very good years," he concluded.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ja Morant quiere dejar atrás su triste pasado: "Es una oportunidad para empezar de nuevo"