Alright, Blazers fans, listen up. Head Coach Micah Nori just dropped a bombshell that could totally reshape your backcourt for the 2026-27 NBA season, openly discussing the very real possibility of either Damian Lillard or Ja Morant coming off the bench. Yeah, you read that right.
Nori’s Preseason Backcourt Blender Is About To Get Wild
With Dame set to return from injury and Ja Morant joining the squad via an offseason trade, everyone expected a star-studded starting backcourt. But Nori told The Athletic’s Jason Quick he plans to use the preseason as a giant tinker-fest before he locks in who’s starting and who’s coming off the bench. He’s not messing around. This isn’t just talk, either. Nori specifically said, “It’s not set in stone, but probably, because I’m leaning toward wanting to see what it looks like.” He followed that up with, “And … I don’t want to start a fire before I need to.” That sounds like a coach who knows exactly what kind of heat a decision like this brings, but he’s ready to face it if it means finding the best lineup.
Dame’s Return Meets Morant’s Arrival, And Now, The Bench
This whole situation kicks off because you’ve got two absolute superstars, and only two starting guard spots. Lillard’s return from injury is huge, obviously, but then the team goes and pulls off that Morant trade in the offseason, bringing another dynamic playmaker into the mix. It’s a good problem to have, sure, but it’s still a problem. Nori’s trying to figure out how to maximize both their talents without sacrificing team chemistry from the jump. Having one of these guys lead the second unit could be a massive weapon, but it’s a bold move for players of their caliber.
The regular season tips off soon, and Nori’s got some serious decisions to make during the preseason. Keep your eyes peeled on how he juggles those minutes and who he rolls out first. This call could totally set the tone for the Blazers’ entire early season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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