Camara Joins Elite Company as All-Defensive Team Selection

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara made history on Thursday by being named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Team for the first time in 21 years for the franchise. Camara was selected for the second team, marking the first time a Blazers player has received this recognition since center Theo Ratliff in the 2003-04 season.

The 6-foot-7 Camara’s impressive performance this season caught the attention of voters. He ranked ninth in total points with 74, receiving six votes for the first team and 62 for the second team.

Camira’s defensive prowess helped him earn praise from notable players in the league, including Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard. “His competitiveness, he has the size and the length and the energy to do it,” Lillard said. “He takes pride in it and he’s constantly going.”

Acquired from the Phoenix Suns in September 2023 as part of the deal that sent Lillard to the Bucks, Camara quickly established himself as a leading defender. He led the NBA with 31 charges drawn and ranked in several important defensive categories, including ninth in steals per game with 1.5.

This season, Camara averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and consistently drew the toughest defensive assignments for his team. Tom Haberstroh, an analytics insider for the Blazers, highlighted Camara’s contributions to defensive stops, where he ranked second in the league with over 200 stops, showing his dominant capability on that end of the floor.

Camara’s offensive growth also contributed to his recognition, as he shot 45.8% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range, solidifying his status as a premier 3-and-D player.

Camara is now part of an elite group of Blazers players who have been named to the All-Defensive Team, joining legends like Bill Walton and Buck Williams. The full list of Blazers on the All-Defensive Team includes:

2024-25: Toumani Camara, second-team.
2003-04: Theo Ratliff, second-team.
1999-00: Scottie Pippen, second-team.
1991-92: Buck Williams, second-team.
1990-91: Buck Williams, first-team.
1989-90: Buck Williams, first-team.
1980-81: Kermit Washington, second-team.
1979-80: Kermit Washington, second-team.
1978-79: Maurice Lucas and Lionel Hollins, second-team.
1977-78: Bill Walton, Maurice Lucas and Lionel Hollins, first-team.

The selection of Camara marks a significant milestone for the Blazers organization, illustrating their evolving talent on the defensive end of the floor.