Morant Watches From Afar as New-Era Grizzlies Open Preseason

Ja Morant may play in Portland now, but Memphis is still on his mind. The Trail Blazers star posted a video to his Instagram story on Monday during the first quarter of the Grizzlies' preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena, tagging former teammates Scotty Pippen Jr. and GG Jackson.

Morant, the No. 2 overall pick in 2019 and the longest-tenured Grizzly before his exit, was traded to Portland in July in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray after seven seasons in Memphis. Pippen and Jackson are now the franchise's longest-tenured players, entering their fourth seasons.

The timing was fitting: while Morant watched, No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer debuted for the new-look Grizzlies in their 132-123 win over Atlanta. Portland opens its own preseason schedule on October 7 against Golden State, and Morant will face his old team three times this season — in Portland on October 29, then back at FedExForum on February 6 and 8.