The Portland Trail Blazers are in year two of a total rebuild and have more questions than answers. It is never easy to trade a franchise icon like Damian Lillard, but it had to be done. Portland has amassed young talent but is still trying to figure out how it all fits together.
The Blazers may have found a crucial young piece in the Lillard deal. Deandre Ayton was the marquee name coming to Rip City, but drafting Donovan Clingan in the lottery told fans plenty about his long-term prospects with the franchise. Portland got plenty of draft capital, but few were focused on Toumani Camara. The late second-round pick had yet to play an NBA game and quickly proved to be more than a throw-in.
The Trail Blazers drafted Scott Henderson second overall to be their next superstar, but he is coming off the bench to begin this season with Camara in the starting five. The 6’8 wing is already filling a needed role and could be a crucial piece for years to come.
Blazers found their 3-and-D wing in Toumani Camara
Every team needs players focused on guarding the opposition’s best scorers and knocking down open shots. When those options can attack a closeout, make the extra pass, thrive in transition, and make winning plays, they are coveted across the NBA. Camara showed flashes as a rookie and has taken another step forward in year two.
The 24-year-old averages 9.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals in 31.0 minutes per game through nine contests. He is shooting 44.3 percent from the field and 43.3 percent on his threes. Portland would love to see him increase his long-range volume, but Camara is taking 3.3 attempts each night.
The 6’8 wing does not shy away from taking the toughest matchups. The five players he has guarded most this season are Brandon Ingram, C.J. McCollum, Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Devin Booker with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Zion Williamson, and De’Aaron Fox in the top ten. Having a 6’8 wing capable of defending on the ball and handling point guards is a massive plus.
Portland is still searching for their superstar, but they have amassed a few supporting pieces. Toumani Camara deserves a prime spot in that group as their 3-and-D wing with upside for more. He can defend multiple positions, sink open looks, and make a few plays, Every team in the NBA would love to have him.
Camara is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027, but the Blazers would be wise to extend him before he ever gets there. He has become a key piece of the Lillard trade and will be a crucial role player as Portland tries to return to contention.
The Portland Trail Blazers are years away from returning to the playoffs and must continue developing their young talent. They have a few pieces now but need their number one option. Rip City hopes for some lottery luck, but the Blazers may have to get creative in landing that piece. At least they already got the 3-and-D wing to flank him.