From CBS Sports · · 1m 50s
Blazers Start Lineup Dilemma
Portland Trail Blazers must decide whether Ja Morant starts or sits to balance defense and offense.
In brief
Portland Trail Blazers must decide whether Ja Morant starts or sits to balance defense and offense. Portland Trail Blazers will likely start Ja Morant off the bench to improve defense while maximizing his offensive impact. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
NBA teams often make decisions based on locker room dynamics
NBA teams frequently make decisions based on locker room dynamics rather than pure basketball merit, affecting player reputations and careers.
Portland Trail Blazers trade for Ja Morant
Portland Trail Blazers traded for Ja Morant earlier this offseason after reacquiring Damian Lillard from a torn Achilles.
Deni Avdija becomes All-Star
Deni Avdija grew into an All-Star as Portland's only reliable ball-handler last season.
Lillard expects to start with Avdija and Morant
Lillard said he expects to start alongside Avdija and Morant this season at training camp.
Coach Micah Nori unsure about starters
First-year coach Micah Nori does not yet know who will start and said Lillard and Morant starting together would make little sense.
Avdija will start as youngest player
Avdija, the youngest and best player at the moment, will be starting for the Blazers.
Morant should come off the bench
Morant should come off the bench to improve defense while maximizing his offensive impact with Lillard and Avdija.
Lillard balances shot creation
Lillard's shooting and pick-and-roll skills help Avdija share the shot-creation burden while improving defense.
Morant's poor shooting affects defense
Morant's poor shooting and defense make him less effective when sharing the ball with starters.
Morant's value on team
Morant's value on the team is higher when he plays fewer minutes but does what he does best.
Coach Nori faces challenges
First-year coach Micah Nori must balance player buy-in, salary concerns, and strategic decisions for the Blazers.
The short version
Portland Trail Blazers will likely start Ja Morant off the bench to improve defense while maximizing his offensive impact.
