Blazers plan 2026-27 season around Morant, Lillard

After a 42-40 season and a first-round playoff exit, Portland enters 2026-27 with Micah Nori as coach and a revamped backcourt featuring Ja Morant alongside Damian Lillard, who is returning from an Achilles injury. Nori has reportedly hinted at a starting five of Morant, Lillard, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan; Morant and Lillard combined for 42 points in a preseason game, though managing Portland’s crowded guard rotation remains a challenge. Morant adds explosive rim pressure, while Lillard supplies elite shooting, and Camara and Clingan could help address defensive needs. The broader task is to clarify who leads the offense, keep Avdija involved as a creator and make Portland more reliable in half-court scoring without giving up its rebounding strength. Morant’s injury history and past off-court controversies, along with Lillard’s return from injury, leave questions about the team’s consistency and ceiling.