Ja Morant labeled Deni Avdija the best in the NBA at one specific habit after their first on-court brush in Las Vegas on 10 Jul 2026.

The two-time All-Star singled out Avdija’s knack for getting under opponents’ skin during Portland’s Summer League run. Morant said the Israeli forward’s ability to provoke reactions gives the Blazers an instant mental edge before tip-off.

“They ragebait a lot, for sure,” Morant told reporters. “(Deni Avdija) definitely No. 1, but he for sure likes to ragebait people to try to make you respond or get you mad.”

Why Morant’s praise matters for the retooled Blazers

Morant joined several Portland teammates at Summer League in Las Vegas, where the franchise’s revamped roster drew buzz as a potential playoff contender in the West. With Damian Lillard back from a ruptured Achilles, Jrue Holiday and Avdija added to a young core featuring Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, the team enters a fresh era under first-year coach Micah Nori.

Morant framed Avdija’s approach as a competitive weapon rather than a flaw. He argued that provoking opponents sharpens teammates and fuels edge before games, a mindset that could fit Portland’s blend of grizzled vets and rising stars.

Nori echoed the optimism after watching Morant in action. “The way he was talking, the way he looked … the intent he had, you could just tell in his face that he missed basketball,” Nori said, citing a report from The Athletic’s Jason Quick.

Ja Morant’s Portland reset: image, maturity, and a new start

The trade that sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis brought Morant to Portland on 2 Jul 2026. In his first public comments since the deal, he framed the move as a chance to reshape his public image after suspensions and scrutiny dogged him in recent years.

“What would I like cleared up? I think you know the answer to that. My image,” Morant said. “I’m a bad guy? I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it’s been addressed and handled already.”

He called the trade an opportunity to reset both on and off the court. “New home. New team. New organization,” Morant said. “I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja.”

What comes next for Ja and the Blazers

Morant’s early impressions suggest he already sees a roster built for battle. Alongside Avdija, Lillard, Holiday, Henderson, Sharpe and rookie Donovan Clingan, Portland enters training camp with depth and swagger.

Nori believes the timing of the trade will bring out Morant’s best. “I think we are going to get the best version of Ja,” Nori said. “I think we are going to get a motivated Ja.”