Mike Nouri is just under two weeks into his role as Portland coach, and he continues to imagine how the team will look next season. According to Oregon Live, the coach who served as an assistant in the world's best league for the past 17 years has already met with players and staff members after the first question he asked general manager Joe Cronin was: 'Can I get the phone number of every player on the roster?'

With Ja Morant the meeting lasted longer than usual. 'My message to him was exactly the same message I deliver to every player: Give me the best version of yourself', Nouri recounted. 'I believe in judging people by how they treat me. When I asked people I trust about Ja, everyone spoke about him enthusiastically. After sitting with him for two hours over lunch I understood they were right. He is a great kid. He is excited about the possibility of winning again and playing meaningful basketball. I will not say he felt relief, but he seemed carefree and happy. He is already looking forward to arriving in Portland.'

Nouri then flew to Los Angeles and met with Jrue Holiday. 'His first sentence was: Coach, I am going with whatever you decide', Nouri said about the guard depth. 'He said: I want to be there. Just make sure everyone protects the ball. I will play any role'. He really does not care.

According to Oregon Live, Nouri does not really address the mentioned overload. 'He sees many good passers, smart players, experience and leadership. His vision is fast basketball, with constant movement, ball movement and correct decisions. According to him, Damian Lillard's gravity will open spaces for Deni Avdija and Morant, Holiday's versatility will allow playing in small lineups too, and the abundance of ball handlers will allow the team to run nonstop. He is already planning plays - screens and ball transfers between Avdija and Lillard in the corner, and special drills for Morant and Holiday after timeouts.'