{"id":786110,"date":"2026-07-14T04:18:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T04:18:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/786110\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T04:18:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T04:18:29","slug":"blazers-news-micah-nori-keeps-door-open-on-surprising-ja-morant-possibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/786110\/","title":{"rendered":"Blazers news: Micah Nori keeps door open on surprising Ja Morant possibility"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Portland Trail Blazers<\/a> enter the 2026-27 season with one of the NBA’s deepest backcourts. New head coach Micah Nori is making it clear that every option remains on the table. Following Portland’s blockbuster acquisition of Ja Morant<\/a>, questions have centered on how Nori will balance minutes between Morant, Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson. During an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Nori addressed the possibility of using Morant as a sixth man.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don’t know,\u201d Nori said when asked if Morant could come off the bench. \u201cI take people at their word, so if it has to come to it, I can say hey you said you didn’t care.\u201d<\/p>\n

Micah Nori on if Ja Morant will come off the bench<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know. I take people at their word, so if it has to come to it, I can say hey you said you didn\u2019t care.\u201d<\/p>\n

(Via @SiriusXMNBA<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/P0lZ8Bdkh6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Nori’s response<\/a> referenced Morant’s earlier comments that he would embrace any role necessary to help Portland win. Sure, bringing a two-time All-Star off the bench would be unconventional. However, the approach could maximize the Blazers’ depth. Whether that scenario ultimately materializes remains to be seen. Still, Nori’s willingness to consider every possibility underscores a team prioritizing fit over reputation as training camp approaches.<\/p>\n

Morant is no stranger to redefining expectations. Selected second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, he quickly emerged as one of basketball’s brightest stars. Morant won the 2020 Rookie of the Year award before earning Most Improved Player honors and All-NBA Second Team recognition during Memphis’ 56-win 2021-22 campaign. Injuries and off-court suspensions later interrupted that ascent. Now owning career averages of 22.4 points and 7.4 assists, Morant begins a fresh chapter in Portland. He hopes to restore his standing<\/a> while helping transform the Trail Blazers into a legitimate Western Conference contender.<\/p>\n

The Portland Trail Blazers enter the 2026-27 season with one of the NBA’s deepest backcourts. New head coach Micah Nori is making it clear that every option remains on the table. Following Portland’s blockbuster acquisition of Ja Morant, questions have centered on how Nori will balance minutes between Morant, Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson.<\/p>\n