New Trail Blazers Coach May Face Early Test, Impacting Deni Avdija

The Portland Trail Blazers have commenced training camp for the 2026-27 NBA season, with significant media attention focused on how new head coach Mike Malone will manage playing time among Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, and Deni Avdija. A recent column in 'Rip City Project' by Reese Kunz suggests the team should not rush into a starting lineup featuring Lillard, Morant, and Avdija together, despite this being the current expectation in Portland.

Kunz specifically addressed Avdija's role, stating that the Israeli player is not a "first option" on a championship-contending team, a fact highlighted in their playoff loss to San Antonio. However, Kunz also posited that the addition of Lillard and Morant could ultimately benefit Avdija by providing him with the star support he previously lacked.

Malone inherits a deep roster that reached the playoffs last season, now bolstered by the acquisitions of Lillard and Morant. Kunz cautioned that the crowded backcourt complicates lineup decisions, advising Malone against committing to a starting unit of Morant, Lillard, and Avdija early in the season.

Lillard indicated after the first practice that starting alongside Morant is the intention, according to his understanding. Nevertheless, the column argues that Malone should use training camp and the season's opening weeks to determine his ideal lineup. One scenario considered is Morant coming off the bench, potentially due to concerns about his defense and outside shooting. Morant himself has expressed readiness to accept any role that aids the team's success.