{
  "id": 9982780,
  "title": "Deciding The Number One Option For The Blazers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/deciding-the-number-one-option-for-the-blazers",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T13:09:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/deciding-number-one-option-blazers-130900119.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the 2026-27 Portland Trail Blazers season approaches, the team's offense is a major talking point. Coach Micah Nori aims to create a dynamic offense to compete against any defense. Star players Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, and Deni Avdija are all vying for the number-one offensive option role.\n\nDamian Lillard's scoring ability is crucial for the Blazers' success. Despite a major injury, Lillard appears to be back to his old self, averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game in the 2024-25 season. His three-point shooting and ability to elevate plays make him a star player for the Blazers. However, some Blazers are hesitant to call him the number-one option, fearing his scoring may slow down after such a significant injury.\n\nJa Morant's star power is another deciding factor for the Blazers. Although he had a less-than-stellar 2025-26 season, Morant played 20 games, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game. He was impressive in the 2024-25 season, averaging 23.2 points and 7.3 assists per game. If Morant can bring that form into the 2026-27 season, his star power could elevate the team's offense, particularly with pick-and-rolls and paint scoring opportunities.\n\nDeni Avdija, currently the best offensive player outside the starting backcourt, has earned his first All-Star nod in the 2025-26 season. Averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, Avdija is dangerous, especially when attacking downhill. He generates contact and thrives at the free-throw line, which will likely lead to more touches and elevate the Blazers' offense. While choosing the number-one offensive option is challenging, Lillard, Morant, and Avdija are all legitimate candidates, and the choice may vary from game to game.",
  "summary": "Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the Portland Trail Blazers' system will be tested almost immediately. With Damian Lillard's scoring ability, Ja Morant's star power, and Deni Avdija's rise to stardom, the number-one option role is up for grabs within Micah Nori's rotation moving forward. Who Will Be the Blazers No. 1 Offensive Option With the …",
  "key_points": [
    "Damian Lillard averages 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game in 2024-25.",
    "Ja Morant averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game last season.",
    "Deni Avdija earned his first All-Star nod with 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}