Ja Morant Facing Potential Bench Role to Open Season With Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant could begin the upcoming season coming off the bench, marking a notable shift for a player who has made just two substitute appearances in his seven-year career. The team is considering easing him into the backcourt mix alongside Damian Lillard. Analysts note that putting Morant in the starting backcourt with Lillard and Deni Avdija makes little sense, making a reserve role a viable solution to manage the team's starting lineup dilemma.