The Portland Trail Blazers held the second day of the 2026-27 NBA training camp at their Tualatin practice facility on Wednesday. Below are some insights gleaned from the post-practice media availability session, which included interviews with head coach Micah Nori, Ja Morant and Donovan Clingan.
After Blazers star Damian Lillard discussed the team’s possible starting lineup on Tuesday, Nori addressed the topic after Wednesday’s practice. Nori said “nothing is set in stone” about the starting lineup and that he tries to stay open-minded, but during training camp, the coaches make sure the team’s top nine players play together as much as possible.
Nori also said it was more important to be in the closing lineup rather than the starting lineup.
“A lot of it will depend on the situation, and I’m not trying to dodge the question,” Nori said of which players will close out games. “But I just think (it’s about) what do we need? Do we need shots? Do we need 2s? Do we need stops? Do we need our best defense? And I think 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 going to vary between fouls, who’s available and everything like that of things and what the game needs.
The new cult hero of the Blazers?
For the second straight day, the Blazers’ new reserve center Branden Carlson was a topic of conversation during the press briefing. On Tuesday, Nori said Carlson stood out with his play and energy, especially 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 texts (about it),” Nori said. “I said he was quickly becoming a cult hero here in Portland.”
Ja Morant is ready to capitalize on Catch-and-Shoot 3
Ja Morant said he’s already benefited from more 3-point shooting in practice with the Blazers, and he sees that translate into games.
Donovan Clingan said he gets along well with new center teammates Branden Carlson and Micah Potter. He said the trio went to the golf course together before training camp started.
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