Toumani Camara Emerges as Portland’s Underrated Two-Way Star

PORTLAND, Ore. — Just 18 months into his NBA career, Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara has established himself as a near-elite defender and a growing offensive threat. The 6’7 Belgian, a deep second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has quickly become a key piece in the Blazers’ rebuilding efforts, showcasing versatility on both ends of the court.

Camara, 24, earned a starting role early in his rookie season due to his relentless defensive energy and ability to guard multiple positions. His defensive prowess has drawn comparisons to former Blazers like Nicolas Batum and Jerami Grant, but it’s his offensive development that has sparked debate about whether he deserves recognition as a true two-way player.

This season, Camara is averaging 9.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 43.4% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range. While these numbers may not jump off the page, they represent significant growth for a player who entered the league with limited offensive expectations.

Camara’s ability to drive to the rim has improved, with his drives per game increasing from 2.9 last season to 3.6 this year. He’s converting 50% of his attempts on those drives, up from 45.9% in his rookie campaign. His three-point shooting has also seen a boost, with his attempts rising from 2.2 to 3.8 per game while maintaining a respectable 35.5% success rate on combined catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble attempts.

Blazers broadcaster Lamar Hurd recently compared Camara’s potential to that of Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, citing their shared defensive intensity and gradual offensive development. While Camara is far from Butler’s level, the comparison highlights the optimism surrounding his trajectory.

Camara’s offensive growth has already surpassed that of former Blazers defensive specialists like Matisse Thybulle, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Moe Harkless. Thybulle, a two-time All-Defensive Team member, has struggled to match Camara’s offensive output, averaging just 5.9 points per game in Portland. Similarly, Aminu and Harkless, who were key defensive pieces during the Damian Lillard era, never developed into consistent offensive threats.

As the Blazers continue their rebuild, Camara’s emergence as a potential two-way player could provide a crucial foundation for the team’s future. While young stars like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe garner most of the attention, Camara’s contributions on both ends of the floor make him an underrated but essential part of Portland’s core.