Blazers Weigh Morant-lillard Pairing as Bench Role Sparks Debate

WHO:

Newsweek - NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Ja Morant would be in the Portland Trail Blazers’ starting lineup.

RealGM Basketball - The Portland Trail Blazers plan to start Ja Morant alongside Damian Lillard in the backcourt.

RealGM Basketball - The Memphis Grizzlies traded Morant to the Blazers.

Pro Football Network - NBA fans criticized the Blazers on social media over the reported plan to use Morant off the bench.

WHAT:

Pro Football Network - Charles Barkley questioned Ja Morant’s fit alongside Damian Lillard in Portland.

Pro Football Network - The Blazers’ latest win was cited as contrasting with questions about Morant’s fit.

Pro Football Network - NBA champion Jeff Teague ranked Ja Morant’s Trail Blazers debut ahead of LaMelo Ball’s Timberwolves debut.

RealGM Basketball - The Blazers plan to start Morant and Lillard together in the backcourt.

Pro Football Network - The article reported that the Blazers were rumored to bring Morant off the bench rather than start him.

Pro Football Network - Fans used phrases including “Sad Downfall” and “Should’ve Traded Him” in their criticism.

WHY:

RealGM Basketball - Morant and Lillard have overlapping skill sets: both want the ball, and both have defensive liabilities.

HOW:

RealGM Basketball - The Blazers acquired Morant from the Grizzlies in an offseason trade.

RealGM Basketball - Lillard re-signed with the Blazers during the 2025 offseason and sat out the entire 2025-26 season while rehabilitating an Achilles injury.

Portland plans to start Ja Morant alongside Damian Lillard in the backcourt after acquiring Morant from Memphis in an offseason trade. The reported plan follows confusion about whether Morant would instead come off the bench, a possibility that drew criticism from fans online, including comments calling his situation a “Sad Downfall” and saying the team “Should’ve Traded Him.” The pairing has raised questions because both guards want the ball and have defensive liabilities. Charles Barkley questioned whether Morant fits alongside Lillard, even as the Blazers’ latest win offered a contrast to the debate. NBA champion Jeff Teague, meanwhile, ranked Morant’s Portland debut ahead of LaMelo Ball’s Timberwolves debut. Lillard re-signed with Portland during the 2025 offseason, then missed the entire 2025-26 season while rehabilitating an Achilles injury.