Ja Morant said joining the Portland Trail Blazers has given him a fresh start and a chance to focus on basketball after several difficult seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Speaking during Portland’s media day on Monday, September 28, Morant said the move is beginning to feel real as the start of the 2026-27 season approaches.
“Once media day hits, you know, it’s about time to get rolling,” Morant said.
Morant said he has quickly become impressed with his new teammates after seeing them up close rather than simply facing them as opponents.
“I feel like this probably the best answer to say, but it’s my honest answer. Like from my heart, everybody,” Morant said when asked which teammates had stood out to him.
He said watching players every day has given him a different perspective on their personalities, work habits and communication.
“I see them day to day now every day, like how they go in, how they carry their self, the type of personality, what they do on the court and then when we on the court, you know, how they communicate and everything else,” Morant said.
Morant also revealed that teammates encouraged him to show more of his personality after he initially arrived in Portland focused on observing the group.
“I came in just trying to, you know, figure everybody else out and, you know, kind of fit in and they ain’t like that,” he said with a laugh.
A major part of Morant’s new situation will be playing alongside Damian Lillard. Rather than viewing Lillard’s presence as a limitation on his own role, Morant believes the two guards’ skill sets can complement one another.
“My job is to just try to make his job easier, try to take some of the problems or doubles away from him,” Morant said.
Morant specifically pointed to Lillard’s shooting range and ability to create off the dribble as factors that can give him more room to attack.
“If I’m driving and somebody has to help, that mean I have a teammate open,” Morant said. “If I get a double, I’m pretty sure one of our other guys can score in that situation.”
He also rejected the idea that Portland has too many players who need the ball, saying the group’s unselfishness should prevent that from becoming an issue.
“I feel like everybody’s very unselfish,” Morant said. “We’re the only team right now who probably getting questioned by this, but it’s a lot of other teams wishing they had this many ball handlers.”
Morant acknowledged that the opportunity to start over in Portland has been meaningful following his final years in Memphis.
“I wouldn’t say it was needed and I feel like it’s always a way to get a fresh start, no matter where you’re at,” Morant said. “But for me, I felt like it was needed for me.”
He explained that the constant discussion of his past had continued while he remained in Memphis.
“Because everything that happened over the years pretty much was just stuck with me,” Morant said. “But yeah, now I get to, you know, start over.”
Morant said the move has left him feeling better and ready to return his focus to basketball.
“I feel a lot better,” he said. “And just, you know, just ready to hoop, honestly.”
The 27-year-old also said his priority is winning rather than whether he starts or comes off the bench.
“I think winning is the most important thing for me,” Morant said. “Whatever role I have to play to get that done, I don’t think nobody would be mad after a win.”
Morant averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in 20 games for Memphis last season. He has played 44, 35 and 20 games respectively over the past three seasons.
With Portland also featuring Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Donovan Clingan and Lillard, Morant said the goal is straightforward: contribute to a team capable of winning.
“Every season important for me,” Morant said. “For me it’s to prove myself.”
