Ja Morant’s move to the Portland Trail Blazers represents the beginning of a new chapter in one of the NBA’s most closely watched careers. Along with joining a new franchise, the veteran guard will also take the court wearing a different jersey number after learning that his longtime No. 12 was unavailable.
Rather than continuing with the number he wore during his NBA career, Morant will wear No. 1 for his first season in Portland. The decision was not made by personal preference alone, as the organization informed him that No. 12 was not available because of future plans involving the franchise.
Although the Trail Blazers have not officially announced those plans, Morant acknowledged that the team intends to preserve the significance of the number associated with franchise great LaMarcus Aldridge. The decision reflects the respect Portland continues to have for one of the most accomplished players in team history.
Beyond discussing his new jersey number, Morant also addressed another topic that has followed him throughout recent years—his public reputation. As he prepares for a fresh start with the Trail Blazers, the two-time All-Star made it clear that he hopes to be judged by his present actions rather than mistakes from his past.
1. A New Number in Portland
For the first time in his NBA career, Morant will take the floor wearing No. 1 instead of No. 12. The change marks a symbolic beginning as he prepares to lead a new team and establish himself within a different organization.
Speaking about the jersey decision, Morant explained that the Trail Blazers informed him the franchise had other intentions for No. 12. While he did not elaborate, the comment strongly suggested the organization is preserving the number because of LaMarcus Aldridge’s lasting impact on the franchise.
Aldridge spent the first nine seasons of his 16-year NBA career in Portland, becoming one of the organization’s most productive players. During his time with the Trail Blazers, he earned five All-Star selections and established himself as one of the league’s premier power forwards.
His place in franchise history remains secure. Aldridge ranks first in Trail Blazers history in rebounds, third in total points scored, and fifth in games played, accomplishments that have made him one of the defining figures of the organization over the past two decades.
2. Reflecting on His Reputation
While his jersey number attracted attention, Morant also used the opportunity to discuss the criticism that has surrounded him in recent years. The guard acknowledged the mistakes that led to disciplinary action earlier in his career but emphasized that those incidents are now behind him.
Morant stated that he has already accepted responsibility for his past actions and believes he has demonstrated meaningful growth since those events occurred. He questioned why those incidents continue to dominate conversations despite the passage of time and the absence of further issues.
The veteran guard also suggested that his continued presence in the league reflects the progress he has made. He expressed confidence that if he had failed to change his behavior, he would not be receiving another opportunity to begin a new chapter with Portland.
His comments highlighted a desire to move forward professionally while allowing his future performance and conduct to define how he is viewed around the NBA. As he joins a new organization, Morant appears eager to shift the focus back to basketball.
3. Beginning a New Era
The Trail Blazers hope Morant’s arrival can help accelerate the team’s development as it continues building toward sustained success. His experience, athleticism, and playmaking ability provide Portland with an established star capable of elevating the team’s offensive attack.
For Morant personally, the transition offers a chance to begin fresh in a new environment. Wearing a different jersey number serves as another reminder that this stage of his career will differ from everything that came before it.
Expectations will be significant when Morant makes his regular-season debut later this fall. Fans will be eager to see how quickly he develops chemistry with his new teammates and how his leadership influences a roster looking to return to playoff contention.
At the same time, Portland’s decision to preserve No. 12 demonstrates the franchise’s commitment to honoring its history while embracing its future. Morant’s arrival signals the start of a new era, but one that still respects the accomplishments of the players who helped shape the organization’s legacy.