After a productive but tumultuous tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies, point guard Ja Morant begins his new start with the Portland Trail Blazers. Morant brought both excitement and controversy to the Grizzlies, who were looking for a franchise player to make them a playoff contender. On the court, Morant’s highlight dunks and aggressive play earned recognition and respect around the league.

At the same time, the guard’s penchant for finding off-court trouble made the relationship too difficult to manage. Memphis shipped the two-time All-Star to the Blazers. Now, with Morant’s role seemingly designated by the team, people took to social media in order to respond.

NBA Fans React as Ja Morant Is Expected to Come Off Trail Blazers’ Bench

Ja Morant’s athletic ability and playing style marvel NBA fans. Yet, the Blazers don’t see him as a starter right now. Instead, he will be coming off the bench, as per Marc Spears. He wrote on Andscape that Morant could come off the bench due to the ‘backcourt logjam’ in Portland.

Fans ran to social and offered theirstrong takes.

“Portland did NOT need another guard, shouldn’t even be on this team. Ja could be way more effective elsewhere,” one X user stated.

According to ESPN’s depth chart, the Trail Blazers have four players that can play both backcourt spots: Morant, Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and Jrue Holiday. Holiday and Lillard are firmly in their 30s, and Henderson is a former first-round pick who really hasn’t captured the starting job. The glut at guard also prompted fans of other teams to chastise Portland.

“Should’ve traded him to the Suns; could’ve been our starting point guard,” a user explained.

In the opinion of many, Morant could be starting and prospering elsewhere. While he does attack the rim with authority, Morant is a facilitator who averages 7.4 assists a game, finding teammates in prime scoring position. As mentioned, for all the brilliance Morant can show on the court, his off-court run-ins helped define him as a player.

“Bro there still talking about the off the court drama it’s been 3 years ja is actually blackballed,” another X user opined.

Morant’s troubled reputation centers on various incidents, from flashing guns on Instagram to confrontations with opposing players, along with season-ending injuries, casting doubt on Morant’s ability to function as a centerpiece. Despite this, some do feel as though the bench move could ultimately help Morant.

“Ja should accept the role. He might even win 6moty hardware,” one X user stated.

Morant is younger than Lillard and Holiday. When healthy, he is better than Henderson. Playing off the bench gives him time to keep healing and show that he is capable of becoming a starter again.

With his ability to score and provide immediate offense, being a Sixth Man of the Year award candidate is not out of the realm of possibility. Yet, the nagging notion of a player who scores over 20 points per game, firmly in his prime, doesn’t sit well with many.

“Such a sad downfall wish he ended up anywhere else man he’s a bad fit there,” another X user decided.

Morant turned 27 in August. The Blazers, in all likelihood, may not be his last stop. In reality, a no-pressure situation could be the best move, even if he does come off the bench. Plus, after his career in Memphis, others feel as though the reserve route was the natural course of action.

Morant not only needs to remain healthy but, given his checkered past, also needs to stay out of trouble off the court and keep basketball at the center of his focus. In essence, Morant has a second chance for a team that doesn’t look like a serious contender in the Western Conference. With the spotlight off, can Morant become the best version of himself?