Ja Morant starts over with the Blazers: “I needed it”

To Ja Morant, Portland represents much more than simply changing jerseys. After two difficult seasons marked by physical issues and off-court incidents, the two-time All-Star admitted that he felt the need to leave Memphis behind and try to start over from scratch.

The trade that sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers was one of the most talked-about moves of the offseason, but for Morant it is above all an opportunity to open a completely new chapter in his career. During Media Day, the Blazers’ new point guard made no secret of how important a change of scenery was for him:

I would say it was necessary. It’s always a way to get a fresh start, regardless of where you are. Obviously, when you get the chance to do that, it’s very important to take it seriously and make the most of it. And with how the last few years have gone for me, I felt like I needed it. I can’t speak for everybody else, but for me, yeah. I feel a lot better and, honestly, I’m just ready to play

Ja Morant

According to Morant, the weight of the past few seasons had started to follow him beyond what happened on the court. Leaving Memphis therefore also means trying to change the perception that has formed around him:

Everything that happened over the years stuck with me; everybody keeps bringing those things up. As long as I had Memphis across my chest, they kept being talked about. I’m pretty sure everybody here probably still judges me for those things too. But now I can start over

Ja Morant

The fresh start appears to have gone well, at least inside the locker room. Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III have both shared positive impressions of their new teammate, highlighting aspects that can more easily go unnoticed from the outside.

After facing him so many times as an opponent, Holiday is starting to get to know the other side of Morant:

I understand why we made this trade. It’s always different when you play against him compared to when you play with him. When you face him, you’re trying to figure out all his weaknesses, study them and do everything you can. But when you’re on the same side and you see what he’s really good at, it’s fun playing with him

Jrue Holiday

Williams, meanwhile, focused mainly on the attitude Morant has shown since arriving in Portland:

I like Ja. From day one, from the communication to the work ethic, to the fact that he relies on his teammates and we can rely on him, he has embraced everything. And you can tell he’s ready to work

Robert Williams III

For the Blazers, coming off their first playoff appearance since the 2020-21 season, the gamble remains a significant one. Integrating Morant and, above all, his fit alongside Lillard will be two of the main storylines of the new season.

Morant, meanwhile, seems to have already found what he was looking for: the chance to turn the page. Now it will be up to what happens on the court to turn that fresh start into something more.