Old habits clearly die hard for Ja Morant. During his first media day as a Portland Trail Blazer, he signed a fresh white jersey for staff. However, muscle memory got the better of him in the funniest way.
Ja Morant Jersey Signing Turns Into a Comedy Moment
Morant happily agreed to autograph the shirt after his interview. Then he glanced down and spotted his mistake instantly. He had scribbled his old number, 12, right next to his brand-new No. 1. “Oh my gosh, I just wrote 12,” he blurted out. As a result, everyone in the room burst out laughing.
The slip makes total sense, though. Morant wore 12 for all seven of his seasons in Memphis. In fact, the Ja Morant jersey ranked among the NBA’s best sellers for years. He also rocked the number throughout high school and college. Therefore, one autograph could hardly erase a lifetime of habit.
A Fresh Start for the New Blazers Guard
There is a neat backstory to the switch, too. Portland has kept No. 12 out of circulation since LaMarcus Aldridge left in 2015. So Morant took No. 1 for his new chapter instead. The Blazers landed him from Memphis for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray in June.
Last season tested him hard. He managed only 20 games through injury, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists. Now, though, the two-time All-Star says he feels in peak shape. His new coach has even backed him to return as the best version of himself. He kept training through months of trade speculation to stay sharp.
The new Ja Morant jersey represents more than a number change. It marks a genuine reset for a player eager to rewrite his story. Consequently, Portland will hope the only mix-ups from here on stay off the court.
