NBA Notes: Blazers, Ja Morant, Sixers, LeBron James, Pelicans

Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers acquired Ja Morant at a price that would have seemed impossible a few years ago. The question is which version of Morant they’re getting.

He played just 79 games over his final three seasons with the Grizzlies. An NBA scout told Blake Silverman of Sports Illustrated that a change of teams may help his availability, but offered a harsh assessment of the fit.

“We will probably see a more available Ja. He might play in games,” the scout said. “He’s got a bad knee, doesn’t really work on his physical fitness, I doubt that he’s all of a sudden become an elite-level shooter, and he’s small.”

The scout also questioned pairing Morant with Damian Lillard, citing the defensive challenges of playing two smaller guards together.

That is one evaluator’s opinion, and Morant has plenty to prove. At his best, he still gets into the lane and changes games in ways few guards can.

Portland gave up Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to find out whether he can do it regularly again. With Shaedon Sharpe expected to miss much of the season, new coach Micah Nori will need an answer fairly quickly.

76ers

LeBron James wants to help Joel Embiid win a championship. He also has an idea of how the Sixers can play along the way.

“If we can get stops or create turnovers, then it’s going to benefit VJ and Tyrese more than anyone on the team,” James said on his Mind the Game podcast, referring to VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey. “Those guys are so fast and athletic. You’re not going to be able to catch up to them.”

Philadelphia forced 15.4 turnovers per game last season but did not always turn them into easy points. James sees an opportunity to change that.

He also spoke warmly about Embiid and Jaylen Brown. James said he wants to help Embiid get his first ring and called Brown, whom the Sixers acquired from the Celtics, “kind of misunderstood.”

There is plenty of talent here. James sounds interested in making it work together, starting with stops, turnovers and a lot of running.

Pelicans

Julian Reese has a two-way contract with the Pelicans and a familiar face waiting in their frontcourt. He played alongside Derik Queen at Maryland.

Reese averaged 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds in 13 games with the Wizards late last season. Those numbers helped earn him another NBA opportunity, though Terry Kimble of Pelicans On SI notes that finding minutes in New Orleans may be tougher.

Reese’s rebounding is his calling card. Shooting is another matter. He did not attempt a three-pointer during his stint with Washington, making the fit alongside Zion Williamson or Queen less obvious.

The Pelicans also have Yves Missi, Trendon Watford and Karlo Matkovic competing for frontcourt minutes. Reese may spend considerable time in the G League before getting his chance.

On a two-way deal, that is fine. If New Orleans needs energy and rebounds during the season, it will know whom to call.