Analyst Suggests Ja Morant Should Come Off Bench Behind Deni Avdija

An opinion piece on the Rip City Project, a website covering the Portland Trail Blazers, argues that the team should bring newly acquired player Ja Morant off the bench, prioritizing Deni Avdija. Writer Reese Kunz contends that Morant's game does not complement Avdija's driving ability, which he identifies as the most crucial development for the Blazers last season. Avdija's versatile play as a "do-it-all" forward, often initiating offense from a point-forward role, was instrumental in the team's success, including reaching the seventh seed with a 42-40 record. Kunz highlights Avdija's unique ability to create matchup problems due to his size and skill set, comparing him to elite large guards like Cade Cunningham and Luka Dončić.

The article suggests that while the Blazers have successfully utilized Avdija's point-forward skills better than his previous team, the Washington Wizards, they lack a clear plan to integrate Morant without hindering Avdija's development. Unlike the Los Angeles Lakers, who have built their roster around Dončić's strengths, the Blazers' acquisition of Morant is seen as potentially problematic if he is viewed as a centerpiece rather than a complementary piece. The piece notes that Damian Lillard's return would provide needed spacing for Avdija's drives, and questions what Morant offers to support Avdija.

Kunz argues that Morant could serve as a secondary ball-handler, alleviating some of the playmaking burden from Avdija, which could still provide value. However, he warns that if Morant becomes the focus of the rebuild instead of a complementary player for a playoff-contending team, the trade could become an obstacle for Avdija and the existing young core. The author concludes that Morant "must start the season as the team's sixth man."