Toumani Camara was, without doubt, the most pleasing aspect of the Portland Trail Blazers’ dismal 2023-24 campaign. Out of virtual obscurity, the rookie stamped his claim on a key role with dogged defense, despite an unrefined offensive skillset.
It took Camara just nine regular season games to break into the starting lineup and, except for 10 outings in January, held onto that role for the rest of the season. His blend of multi-positional defense and body-sacrificing hustle gave Blazer fans a sliver of hope in the depths of an uncomfortable rebuild.
By the end of his rookie season, the deep second-round pick had averaged 24.