2 Dark horse candidates to eventually break into the Blazers' starting lineup
By Reese Kunz
The Portland Trail Blazers' projected starting lineup for the 2024-25 NBA season will likely include Anfernee Simons, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, and either Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe to round out the backcourt. However, it remains an ever-evolving situation with the Blazers as they continue their roster teardown and listen to trade offers for established pieces. Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian has recently said that trading away one of Simons or Grant before the start of training camp is 'definitely the goal.'
Ayton may not be as heavily involved in trade rumors as Simons and Grant. Still, his situation with the Blazers is something to monitor after they selected Donovan Clingan with the No. 7 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, who had a standout Summer League on the defensive end. The four players that should be considered long-term starters for the Blazers are Henderson, Sharpe, Avdija, and Clingan, leaving one forward slot up for grabs.
1. Toumani Camara
Toumani Camara had an exceptional rookie season with the Blazers after coming over from Phoenix as part of the Ayton trade. Camara fell all the way to No. 52 in the 2023 NBA Draft, in large part due to concerns surrounding his age (now 24) and shooting. But Camara is proving to be a much better shooter than many anticipated, connecting on 33.7 percent of threes last season.
At 6-foot-7, he's also showcased two-way potential and could wind up being the Blazers' best defender if Matisse Thybulle gets moved. Camara isn't going to be an All-Star but could progress into becoming an elite role player as a versatile defender who can space the floor. That alone could earn him a spot in the starting lineup.