The unexpected decision by the Blazers regarding their new duo Damian Lillard - Ja Morant

Portland Trail Blazers faces one of the key uncertainties regarding their starting lineup: who will fill the perimeter positions alongside Damian Lillard and Ja Morant. Coach Micah Nori has already discussed a possibility that, in his own words, does not seem to make much sense on paper, although all indications suggest he might go for it.

Nori acknowledged that he will likely start both Lillard and Morant, primarily because he wants to see how the duo performs on the court before making a final decision. The Portland coach knows this is a topic that can spark debate, but he prefers to test the formula before dismissing it.

The decision is not yet finalized, but Nori's words clearly indicate that there is a real possibility of seeing the two stars sharing the starting lineup. The Trail Blazers coach wants to directly assess what performance they can deliver together and does not seem willing to discard the formula before having tried it.

"It's not definitive, but I probably will, as I tend to want to see how it works," said Nori. "And... I don't want to stir up controversy too soon."

The situation is particularly interesting because the coach himself admits that it does not seem to make much sense to initially rely on both players in the same lineup. However, his intention to test the compatibility between Lillard and Morant could make that precisely the formula chosen to start.

In fact, Lillard had previously expressed his conviction that both he and Morant would be starters. Morant's arrival in Portland has thus opened an important question in the team's configuration, especially regarding the distribution of roles within the perimeter.

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Ja Morant prioritizes the collective goal

For his part, Morant has avoided entering any kind of dispute over the starting position. The new Portland player made it clear that he is willing to take on the role that Nori deems most appropriate for the team and downplayed the possibility of starting games from the bench.

"I think winning is the most important thing for me, so whatever role I need to play to achieve that, I don't think anyone will be upset afterwards," said Morant. "Whether I'm a starter or not, I don't care. After all, we’re only on the first day."

"I feel like that’s a question for the coach. But, for my part, I have no problem with either option."

These statements from the guard leave the decision completely in Nori's hands. Morant does not seem to set as a condition occupying one of the starting positions and, at least for now, places collective performance above any individual consideration.

This position also allows the Portland coach to keep various possibilities open while evaluating which combination might work best. The issue, therefore, is not just about determining who will be a starter, but also about seeing how two players who will now have to share responsibilities in the same perimeter can complement each other.

A trade that changed the landscape in Portland

Morant's presence in Portland is due to one of the most surprising moves in the NBA during the summer. On June 29, 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies traded their star to the Trail Blazers, completely altering the landscape of the Portland roster.

The deal was structured as follows:

With Morant now in Portland, Nori must decide how to fit him alongside Lillard. The possibility of starting both seems to be on the table, although the coach has made it clear that there is still no definitive decision.

For now, the formula generating the most curiosity is precisely the one Nori considers least obvious: two highly prominent guards sharing the same lineup. The coach wants to see it in action before drawing conclusions, and Morant, in the meantime, has made it clear that he will accept either of the two alternatives.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La inesperada decisión de los Blazers con su nuevo dúo Damian Lillard - Ja Morant