Portland Coach Decides Against Starting Lillard and Morant Together

Portland Trail Blazers coach Mikey Neuber has reportedly decided against starting veteran stars Damian Lillard and Ja Morant in the backcourt for the upcoming 2026/27 season. According to Jason Quick of The Athletic, Neuber believes starting both guards, who are undersized and have defensive limitations, would not be "logical."

Instead, the team may opt to start Jrue Holiday, described as a "bigger guard and an exceptional defender," alongside either Lillard or Morant. The other star guard would then come off the bench. Quick suggested that starting Holiday and bringing Morant or Lillard off the bench is the "more analytically correct option."

Lillard himself stated on the first day of training camp that he had been playing primarily with Morant, Avdija, and Clingan, but was unsure of the final starting lineup. Both Lillard and Morant, when asked about potentially coming off the bench, gave diplomatic answers, expressing openness to any coaching decision.

Denny Avdija and Donovan Clingan appear to have secured starting spots. Toumani Camara is expected to continue starting at power forward. Scoot Henderson, who may be most impacted by the trade for Morant, is likely to play a reserve role.