Morant Excited to Team with Lillard After Stellar Practice Shooting
Damian Lillard posted a photo showing he made 1,100 of 1,168 shot attempts in practice, prompting new teammate Ja Morant to comment, "this gon be funnnnn". Lillard is returning to Portland after being waived by Milwaukee following an Achilles injury. Morant was traded to the Blazers this offseason, forming a potentially dynamic backcourt duo.
Lillard’s practice feat—1,100 makes in 1,168 attempts—arrives after a 15-month layoff from NBA action, following his Achilles tear in April 2025 and subsequent waiver by Milwaukee. His return to Portland reunites him with the franchise he led for over a decade, now alongside Morant, who arrived via a Memphis trade. The Blazers’ backcourt also includes Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, creating a crowded rotation. Portland’s roster depth, including All-Star Deni Avdija and rebounder Donovan Clingan, positions them as a potential Western Conference contender, though they face stiff competition from San Antonio and Oklahoma City.
This pairing could reshape Portland’s competitive trajectory, offering fans a high-octane backcourt that may draw renewed national attention to the franchise. If both stars stay healthy, the Blazers could become a playoff threat, potentially shifting Western Conference dynamics. However, the team’s reliance on injury-prone veterans and a crowded guard rotation may create chemistry challenges. The story’s broader impact lies in how it rekindles interest in a small-market team, possibly boosting local engagement and merchandise sales, while also serving as a cautionary tale about roster construction in a loaded conference.