Thorpe Blasts Blazers' Ja Morant Trade, Warning 2-Guard Defense Will Fail
Updated
Updated · Blazer's Edge · Jun 30
Thorpe Blasts Blazers' Ja Morant Trade, Warning 2-Guard Defense Will Fail
2 articles · Updated · Blazer's Edge · Jun 30
Summary
David Thorpe argued Portland’s swap of Jerami Grant and Kris Murray for Ja Morant leaves the Blazers with a fatally flawed backcourt, saying Morant and Damian Lillard together would be relentlessly targeted on defense.
Two poor perimeter defenders are the crux of his case: Thorpe said playoff teams can hide one weak link, but not two, and warned center Donovan Clingan would be overworked covering constant dribble penetration.
Portland’s roster construction also drew fire because Morant joins Lillard, Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday in a crowded guard rotation, raising questions about minutes, ballhandling and whether Morant and Lillard can be staggered.
Micah Nori’s 1-year contract, Thorpe said, makes the challenge harder because a lightly secured coach may struggle to demand defensive buy-in from star guards who have not consistently shown it.
Thorpe framed the move as a repeat of Portland’s old Lillard-C.J. McCollum problem, warning that another offense-first small backcourt could again hit a playoff ceiling.