The Portland Trail Blazers held day two of 2026-27 NBA Training Camp at their practice facility in Tualatin on Wednesday. Below are a few tidbits gleaned from the media availability session following practice, which included interviews with head coach Micah Nori, Ja Morant and Donovan Clingan.
Starting vs Closing
After Blazers star Damian Lillard discussed the team’s possible starting lineup on Tuesday, Nori took on the topic after Wednesday’s practice. Nori said “nothing is set in stone” about the starting lineup and
he’s trying to stay open-minded, but through training camp the coaches are ensuring the team’s top nine players play with each other as much as possible.
Nori also said it’s more important to be in the closing lineup versus the starting lineup.
“A lot of it will be situational, and I’m not trying to dodge the question,” Nori said about which players will close games. “But I just think [it’s about] what do we need? Do we need shooting? Do we need 2s? Do we need stops? Do we need our best defense? And I think that’s what’s great about those main guys is they all do something and bring something different. … I wish I could tell you exactly who, but I think it’s gonna vary between foul trouble, who’s available and all those types of things and what the game needs.”
The Newest Blazers Cult Hero?
For the second day in a row, Blazers new reserve center Branden Carlson was a topic of conversation during media availability. On Tuesday, Nori said Carlson stood out with his play and energy, particularly on the offensive glass. On Wednesday, Nori highlighted Carlson’s personality after a goofy photo of the 27-year-old, posted by the Blazers, made the rounds on social media.
“I told him my daughter sent it to me, and then I got a bunch of other text messages [about it],” Nori said. “I said he’s fast becoming a cult hero very quickly here in Portland.”
Ja Morant is Ready to Capitalize on Catch-and-Shoot 3s
Ja Morant said he’s been benefiting from more catch-and-shoot 3-pointers already during practice with the Blazers, and he sees that translating over to games.
Big Man Golfing
Donovan Clingan said he’s been getting along well with new center teammates Branden Carlson and Micah Potter. He said the trio hit the golf course together before training camp tipped off.
