Ja Morant Shares New Closely Cropped Haircut
The Portland Trail Blazers guard posted images of the look on Instagram while recovering from a hamstring strain.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Basketball
Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant shared images of a closely cropped haircut on Instagram on November 4, 2026, abandoning his dreadlocks for a look that resembles his 2019 rookie season. The 27-year-old is also recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered against Memphis on October 29, 2026.
Why it matters
The style change marks a visible shift in Morant's public image as he works back from an injury during his early tenure with Portland. Portland will re-evaluate his hamstring in four weeks, which will determine his availability.
Morant averaged 15.8 points and 5.5 assists in his first four Portland appearances, compared with 17.8 points and 7.3 assists during his 2019-20 rookie season. Portland will re-evaluate his Grade 2 left hamstring strain in four weeks, and the timeline for his return is not yet clear.
The players
Ja Morant
Ja Morant is a guard for the Portland Trail Blazers who was selected second overall by Memphis in 2019 and won Rookie of the Year in the 2019-20 season.
The details
Morant shared the haircut images on Instagram, a departure from the dreadlocks he had worn previously. The new cut resembles his appearance when Memphis selected him second overall in the June 2019 NBA Draft.
Timeline
June 2019: Memphis selected Morant second overall in the NBA Draft.
2019-20 season: Morant averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists and won Rookie of the Year.
June 2026: Morant was traded from Memphis to Portland, ending his seven-season tenure with the Grizzlies.
October 29, 2026: Morant suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain against Memphis.
November 4, 2026: Morant shared images of the new haircut on Instagram.
Season Trajectory
The haircut change arrives as Morant tries to re-establish his production after a trade to Portland and a hamstring injury, both of which affect where he stands in the Trail Blazers' early season. His early Portland numbers sit below his 2019-20 Rookie of the Year averages, making his health and return timeline central to Portland's competitive outlook.
Morant's availability over the next four weeks affects fantasy rosters and Portland's rotation at guard. Fans tracking his stats should monitor the re-evaluation date, since his absence would shift backcourt minutes for the Trail Blazers.
The takeaway
Morant's return timeline will determine whether his early Portland production can recover toward his rookie-season level. Check injury updates closely over the coming weeks if you track him in fantasy.
What happens next
Portland will re-evaluate Ja Morant's left hamstring strain in four weeks.
Further reading
Follow more NBA basketball coverage for updates on player health and roster moves.
