Former NBA head coach PJ Carlesimo does not have concerns about how Damian Lillard and Ja Morant will coexist in the Portland Trail Blazers' new-look backcourt.
Portland acquired Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies during the offseason, pairing the explosive point guard with Lillard as the Trail Blazers prepare for the 2026-27 season. While putting two ball-dominant guards together could raise questions about their roles, Carlesimo believes Lillard's experience and willingness to adapt will make the pairing work.
In a recent interview with Kyle Odegard of NEXTPredict, Carlesimo pointed specifically to Lillard's basketball intelligence and approach to playing alongside Morant.
“I don’t think there’s any question,” Carlesimo said. “Not that Ja is not capable of adjusting, but Dame is such a smart player. Dame will figure it out. Dame will do whatever it takes for the two of them to excel. And Dame will go out of his way to make sure Ja gets back to being Ja.
“Dame’s game is so good and he’s so smart. He will do whatever he needs to do to still be Dame, and yet at the same time, there’s no bad ego there with Dame. He will make sure things work out for Ja.”
The partnership represents a significant change for a Portland team looking to take another step forward. Lillard gives the Trail Blazers an established veteran presence, while Morant provides another dynamic offensive weapon capable of attacking the basket and creating opportunities for teammates.
PJ Carlesimo hopes Blazers' Ja Morant can rediscover All-Star form alongside Damian Lillard
Morant will also enter the season looking for a fresh start after Portland acquired him from Memphis in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.
Article Continues BelowThe 27-year-old established himself as one of the NBA's most electric young stars early in his career. Morant earned his first All-Star selection during the 2021-22 season and followed it with another in 2022-23, when he averaged 26.2 points, 8.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Carlesimo believes Morant's peak showed how highly regarded the guard once was around the league.
“Some people forget, face of the league is what people were saying at that point,” Carlesimo said. “Not a good player, a spectacular player. You loved to watch him play. I just hope he gets back to what he was, or even close, and plays the way Ja Morant can play.”
Morant now gets an opportunity to revive his career in Portland alongside Lillard and under first-year Trail Blazers head coach Micah Nori.
Carlesimo also expressed confidence in Nori as the coach prepares to lead Portland into training camp next week. The two previously worked together with the Toronto Raptors, giving Carlesimo firsthand experience with Nori's coaching ability.
“Micah Nori is a really close friend. We worked together in Toronto for a year,” Carlesimo said. “He’s going to do a great job. If they give him the wherewithal, he’s going to surprise people. I’m sure there are a lot of people who aren’t aware how good of a coach he is.”
With Lillard and Morant sharing the backcourt and Nori beginning his first season at the helm, Portland will enter training camp with a significantly different foundation. Carlesimo believes Lillard's adaptability could be a key factor in allowing the Trail Blazers' newest star pairing to succeed.