8. Toumani Camara, F
Can Camara expand his game beyond just a 3-and-D player?
Toumani Camara had a pleasantly surprising rookie season with the Blazers, averaging 7.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. However, those statistics don't paint the entire picture of Camara's impact, as he was often responsible for guarding the opposing team's best player as well.
Camara came over with Deandre Ayton as part of the Jusuf Nurkic trade with the Phoenix Suns and was widely viewed as a "throw-in" piece. Camara fell all the way to pick No. 52 due to concerns surrounding his age and shooting ability. But he was a legitimate 3-and-D player his first season in Portland, shooting 33.7 percent from deep.
Camara has already proven himself to be an extremely valuable role player and a long-term piece of the Blazers' rebuilding core. But he needs to work on expanding his offensive game. He has the potential to be a starter if he can provide more value outside of being a 3-and-D player.
7. Donovan Clingan, C
How will Clingan mesh with the Blazers' guards?
Donovan Clingan turned into "Cling Kong" during the Blazers' Summer League. Given his talent, instinct, and physical tools, his game should immediately translate in regular season games on the defensive end. But Clingan needs to work on developing more of an offensive game. He is still a few years away from being a go-to post-player who can frequently score by himself.
To be impactful offensively, Clingan will need the help of playmakers to set him up and put him in the ideal positions to utilize his size and athleticism to score. He should benefit from having better overall guard play than what he had in the Summer League, as there were multiple occasions where they failed to give him the ball.
Scoot and Simons are projected to start now that Sharpe is injured. But Billups must stagger their minutes to keep one of their best playmakers on the court to help set up Clingan.