Ja Morant shows off 3-point range on 1st bucket with Blazers

Ja Morant put on a new NBA uniform for the first time in his career Wednesday. Fans envisioned the former Memphis Grizzlies star bringing his highlight reel dunks to the Portland Trail Blazers . But instead he showed his three-point range against the Phoenix Suns.

Morant banked this basket from near the Moda Center logo to ignite the crowd.

Morant originally appeared to be ready for a bench role in his Blazers debut. He walked into a place that featured more than franchise legend Damian Lillard . Savvy veterans Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson also comprised the backcourt for Portland. Yet this look presented Portland with a possible logjam at the guard spots now that the polarizing Morant was on board.

But head coach Micah Nori made the decision to plug Morant with "Dame Time" on the backend. The chemistry ignited from there between the past NBA All-Stars.

Morant scored six points in his first eight minutes of play on the floor. Lillard made 12 points through his first 12 minutes of action. And Portland exploded to a commanding 45-22 lead early on during the second quarter.

Memphis pulled off the massive trade involving Morant back in June 2026 . Kris Murray and Jerami Grant became a part of the deal that sent both to the Grizzlies in exchange for Morant.

The latter left the franchise averaging 22.4 points per game. But Morant's tenure was marred with controversy. Notably for flashing a handgun in multiple instances including over a live social media video broadcasted via Instagram in May 2023.

Yet now Morant looks like he's taken advantage of his new surroundings early.