Ja Morant is already settling into life with the Blazers, and part of that reset apparently includes a lot more time outside.
While in Las Vegas supporting Portland’s summer league team, Morant talked about how he’s leaning into a quieter routine in his new surroundings, according to ESPN’s Ben Golliver. He said the change has brought him into contact with a different kind of lifestyle than the one he knew in Memphis, where he spent his entire NBA career before the trade to Portland.
Ja Morant on Portland: “It rains a lot. I got took fishing in the rain. … Lately, I’ve been kind of into nature. That’s a bonus for me. I’m not hiking! But I can go walking, ride a bike, I’ve been kayaking.” pic.twitter.com/rG9sCziq8P
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 11, 2026
“It rains a lot. I got took fishing in the rain.
That's one thing I know for sure,” Morant said. “I feel like it's a very quiet spot.
It's nice. I don't know if ya'll pay attention to me lately, but I’ve been kind of into nature.
So, I feel like that’s a bonus for me. I’m not hiking!
But I can go walking, ride a bike, I’ve been kayaking.”
Morant’s comments offered a glimpse into his personal life at the start of a new chapter with the Blazers, and he sounded eager to embrace what Portland has to offer.
Blazers guard Ja Morant said his “bad guy” image is a misconception: “I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it’s been addressed and handled already. I don’t see why years later that’s still the topic when nothing’s happened since.” pic.twitter.com/JYSExOs7wB
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 11, 2026
He also addressed the reputation that has followed him in recent years, including the bad-boy label tied to his gun-related suspensions and the live broadcast in which he flashed a gun on social media. Morant said he’s still curious why that remains such a big part of the conversation.
“Obviously, I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it’s been addressed and handled already. I don’t see why, years later, that’s still the topic when nothing’s happened since,” Morant said.
“And I feel like if I was that guy, ya'll wouldn't be talking to me now. I wouldn't be here.”
Now with a new team and a new setting, Morant will have a chance to make his first real impression for Portland in 2026-27.
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