Ja Morant told reporters Saturday at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas that joining the Portland Trail Blazers represents a clean slate after suspensions, injuries and a trade ended his four-year run with the Memphis Grizzlies.
“My image. That I’m a bad guy,” Morant said when asked what he hopes to change. “I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it’s been addressed and handled already.”
The 24-year-old guard was an All-Star in 2022 and 2023, yet two gun-related suspensions and a series of injuries limited him to 20 games last season and contributed to Memphis sending him to Portland. Morant insisted nothing similar has happened “since,” adding that the incidents should no longer dominate conversation.
“New home. New team. New organization,” he said. “I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja. It’s like starting all over again.”
Morant reported he is fully healthy and eager to share the backcourt with Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, while also noting the arrival of forward Deni Avdija. He signaled a willingness to accept any role head coach Chauncey Billups assigns.
The former No. 2 overall pick emphasized there is no bitterness toward his previous club. “It was all love,” Morant said of Memphis. “I love the fans, I love my teammates. It definitely was some good years.”
Morant’s immediate goal is clear: shift the spotlight away from off-court headlines and back to his play as he attempts to recapture All-Star form in Portland.
Source: Hoops Wire
