​Two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant is expressing enthusiasm about a fresh start with the Portland Trail Blazers after being dealt from the Memphis Grizzlies in June. Speaking with a group of reporters at the NBA’s Summer League in Las Vegas, Morant emphasized that he has more to offer beyond the controversial “bad guy” label that emerged in part from two 2023 suspensions for displaying a firearm in social media videos.
“I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it has been addressed and handled already,” Morant said. “I don’t see why years later that’s still the topic when nothing has happened since. If I was ‘that guy,’ y’all wouldn’t be talking to me now. I wouldn’t be here.”
Since being selected second overall by Memphis in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant has shown flashes of brilliance. He captured the 2020 Rookie of the Year award and averaged 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Grizzlies over seven seasons, a span that saw Memphis reach the playoffs four times. The Grizzlies did suspend him for one game last November after a sideline clash with coach Taylor Jenkins, but the more persistent challenges in the 2025-26 season were injuries. A combination of calf, ankle, and elbow issues limited him to 20 games.
“My body feels great,” the 26-year-old said, noting that as trade rumors swirled for several months, he worked hard to stay in peak condition. “I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja. It’s like starting all over again.” Morant added that he has grown significantly over the years and learned a lot, approaching things with a new mindset. “I feel more mature, and I’m ready to work.”
As he transitions to Portland, Morant has underscored his readiness to contribute immediately and redefine how opponents perceive him. He believes the change of scenery will allow him to showcase a version of his game that fans in Portland and the broader NBA community have not yet seen, hoping to turn the page on past distractions and demonstrate sustained growth and resilience. He remarked that the time away from the spotlight of controversy has helped him focus on his craft and his long-term career goals.
Morant’s message is one of renewed commitment: a player who acknowledges past missteps, has accepted accountability, and now aims to prove himself anew in a franchise hungry for impact and leadership. He intends to leverage his proven talent and maturity to help Portland compete at a higher level, while also serving as a model of perseverance and accountability for his teammates and supporters. As the Blazers prepare for the upcoming season, Morant’s optimism about a clean slate and a fresh start remains a central theme of his public remarks, signaling a concerted effort to redefine his public narrative and maximize his on-court contributions in a new setting.