After many speculations whether Ja Morant would start or come off the bench for the Portland Trail Blazers, a report has confirmed his role.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Morant will start next to Damian Lillard at the beginning of the 2026-27 NBA season.
The doubt about Morant's role came from the logjam in the Blazers' backcourt with Damian Lillard coming back to the team and from injury, Morant arriving via trade and Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson having established roles.
There is also the case of Shaedon Sharpe, who is out longterm due to a meniscus injury and could potentially be considered a starter.
During the preseason, Morant started in two of the three games he played in.
Differing reports about Morant's situation
Ja Morant
Ja Morant
Most recently, Marc Spears of Andscape claimed that Morant would most likely come off the bench.
"A major newcomer to the Blazers is two-time NBA All-Star guard Ja Morant, the former Memphis Grizzlies star who has been riddled by injuries and off-court drama in recent seasons. Due to the backcourt logjam, Morant is expected to come off the bench," Spears wrote.
At the start of Blazers training camp, however, Damian Lillard said he expects Ja Morant to start, but emphasized that he hadn't talked to head coach Micah Nori about it.
"We've had the conversation, but not in depth. It hasn't been a conversation like, 'Dame, do you want to start or come off the bench?' " Lillard told reporters.
"As far as I know, Ja will start, I'll start, Deni will start. That's as far as I know, but no, I haven't had that conversation with [Nori]."
During Media Day activities Morant said that he would be okay with any role as long as it meant winning.