The Portland Trail Blazers will enter the new NBA season with the intention of being much more competitive than they were last year. Portland finished last season with a 21-61 record, which puts them at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
The team undertook a restructuring after trading away star point guard Damian Lillard, a move that likely came two seasons too late. As part of that trade, Portland acquired young forward Toumani Camara, who was seen as a mere opportunity to close the deal.
But Camara showed what he’s capable of last season and could become a crucial part of the Trail Blazers’ success this season. He’s especially shown his impact on defense, giving Portland a huge home-court advantage.
Portland was full 7.6 points better per 100 possessions with Camara on the ground than when he was sitting. Despite his inexperience, Camara showed that he could make a difference if given the chance.
Former Trail Blazers point guard Malcolm Brogdon praised the young forward for his defensive performance last season. Brogdon is considered by many to be one of the best defensive leaders in the league over the past few seasons.
“He earns his reputation on defense,” Malcolm Brogdon noted in December. “His attack will come later, and that will be the icing on the cake, because he is already a great defender.”
In 70 games played for the Trail Blazers, Camara averaged 7.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.9 steals per game. The biggest flaw in his rookie season was his three-point shooting.
He shot 33.7 percent from three-point range, a number he’ll need to improve on if he wants to see more playing time this season. But Portland is hoping he can build on what was an impressive first season in the league.
Some traits, like defensive instincts, can’t be taught and Camara has plenty of those. He gives this team more length on the roster and someone they can throw at the opposition’s best wingers.
In any case, Camara gives the Trail Blazers a solid option as a backup. He still has a ways to go before he’s considered a key part of Portland’s future, but he’s someone to watch this season.
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