Ja Morant is embracing a different role with the Portland Trail Blazers, saying playing alongside Damian Lillard has allowed him to become less ball-dominant and unlock new ways to create offense.
Morant spoke to reporters Wednesday after the second day of Portland’s training camp and discussed his early chemistry with Lillard and the rest of the Blazers’ crowded backcourt.
“I feel like we all our own player. We all have strengths and that’s why we here today,” Morant said. “Our jobs is just to make sure we continue to play our games, but also help each other and getting us in those spots, and creating for everybody.”
The 27-year-old guard said sharing the floor with Lillard, Scoot Henderson and the other Portland ball-handlers means he does not have to carry as much of the creation burden he had in Memphis.
“Playing alongside those guys is good,” Morant said. “I don’t have to be so much ball dominant. All those guys can create for them and the teammates. That’s a plus.”
Asked directly whether he likes not being as ball-dominant, Morant responded, “Yeah, for sure.”
The biggest early development has been his pairing with Lillard, who is returning to the court after missing the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn Achilles.
“It’s fun. It’s so much space with Dame out there on the floor,” Morant said. “Obviously y’all know what type of shooter he is, but that also creates for everybody else. Like a drive and kick. Guys got to go out there and close out.”
Morant said the two guards are trying to maintain their individual styles while learning how to complement one another.
“We both kind of taking the unselfish route and learning each other’s game but also still trying to be us,” he said. “That’s what it takes.”
Morant has already noticed some of the benefits of playing off the ball. He said he had several catch-and-shoot three-point opportunities during Wednesday’s practice, along with chances to use his speed on back cuts.
“It’s just unlocking different parts, easier ways for me to be able to score,” Morant said.
Morant averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in 20 games for Memphis last season, shooting 41.0% from the field and 23.5% from three-point range. His career averages through seven seasons are 22.4 points and 7.4 assists per game.
The Blazers are also emphasizing ball security and rebounding during camp. Morant said the team played too fast at times during Wednesday’s practice but viewed that as part of the process.
“We’re a pressure team,” Morant said. “So it’s a good thing that our defense is speeding us up, but we still just got to take care of the ball and then finish every stop and stuff with a rebound.”
Morant also praised Portland’s chemistry, saying the team has quickly developed a strong locker-room atmosphere.
“We got a fun group,” he said. “I feel like we all bond together. We all about the right things and want the same thing. And I feel like that’s the most important thing for sure.”
