Tag: Toumani Camara

Trail Blazers rookie Toumani Camara diagnosed with season-ending injury

Trail Blazers rookie Toumani Camara will miss the remainder of the season with a fractured left rib and a small laceration in the kidney.

Portland Trail Blazers rookie Toumani Camara will miss the remainder of the season with a fractured left rib and a small laceration in the kidney, the team announced.

Camara sustained the injury on Wednesday in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He stayed overnight in a hospital in Atlanta for further observation and has been released. He will return to Portland for further testing and is expected to make a full recovery.

He recorded 17 points and four rebounds in 30 minutes before the injury.

Camara had missed three games this season, though will miss the last eight contests. He leads the team in games played (70) and is second in total minutes (1,739).

Camara finishes the season averaging 7.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 45% shooting from the field. He is one of two first-year players with at least 350 points, 300 rebounds, 60 steals and 35 3-pointers (Victor Wembanyama).

The 52nd pick was part of a historic lineup when the Trail Blazers became just the second team to start five rookies on March 23. The team kept that lineup for the next two games, becoming the first to start five rookies multiple times.

Camara was acquired from the Phoenix Suns as part of the three-team trade involving Damian Lillard. He was viewed as a key part of the trade for the Trail Blazers and emerged as a valuable member of the rotation this season for Chauncey Billups.

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Trail Blazers make history with all rookie starting lineup in consecutive games

With the Trail Blazers down several veterans, coach Chauncey Billups has been forced to lean on his rookies of late.

With the Portland Trail Blazers down several veterans, coach Chauncey Billups has been forced to lean on his rookies and it has resulted in a rather rare starting lineup combination.

Playing without Deandre Ayton (elbow), Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Jerami Grant (hamstring), Shaedon Sharpe (core muscle), Anfernee Simons (knee), Robert Williams III (knee) and Matisse Thybulle (ankle), the Trail Blazers have had been short-handed.

Billups started five first-year players on Saturday against Denver: Kris Murray, Toumani Camara, Duop Reath, Rayan Rupert and Scoot Henderson. It marked the second time a team started five rookies in a game since starters were first tracked on box scores in the 1970-71 season; Golden State became the first team to do so in April 2012. Billupsย kept that starting lineup on Monday against Houston, making them the first team to start five rookies in multiple games in the same season.

The lineup dropped to 0-2 after losing 110-92 to the Rockets in the first of a seven-game road trip. Dalano Banton paced the team with 28 points, 11 rebounds and five assists off the bench, while Henderson had 15 points and Camara added 12 points for the Trail Blazers (19-53).

Murray (4 points), Reath (8) and Rupert (9) combined for 21 points.

Billups expects some of their injured players to return at some point over their last 10 games of the season. However, in the meantime, that starting group of rookies will have the opportunity to log extended minutes to close out the season.

โ€œI think we have so much growth and development that needs to happen,โ€ Billups said, via Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian. โ€œObviously, we know weโ€™re not going to the playoffs. But these dudes need to get better. They need to get to know each other while paying. The only way you get better at basketball is playing basketball.โ€

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Rookie Power Rankings: Chet Holmgren, Wemby and the emergence of Toumani Camara

Rookie Wire took a look at the top first-year players over the last two weeks of the 2023-24 season.

The top of the rookie class continues to perform at a high level through the first quarter of the season, while several other players have emerged with strong efforts.

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren find themselves near the top of the NBA in a few categories. They have established themselves as the likely front-runners for Rookie of the Year, while the race for the All-Rookie teams looks to be highly competitive.

Others selected later in the draft have carved out large roles on their respective teams, which has resulted in some notable performances in the class. These players, highlighted below, have been key for their teams on the court.

To make sense of it all, we looked at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but to illustrate the best players week to week.

Rookie Power Rankings: Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren dazzle to start the season

Rookie Wire took a look at the top first-year players over the first two weeks of the 2023-24 season.

The NBA season is underway as players and teams around the league begin to settle in on the court with over a half-dozen games under their belts.

The early action has already provided several notable performances and other highlights from the best players in the game. With a talented group of rookies entering the league, there have also been incredible efforts from the incoming class.

No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama has looked the part of a generational player, while another 7-footer, Chet Holmgren, is also finding early success. Of course, other first-year players have also started off hot with great performances of their own.

To make sense of it all, we looked at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but to illustrate the best players week to week.

5 rookies (Julian Strawther!) who have played surprisingly well during the NBA preseason

The Nuggets may have found a GEM in Julian Strawther.

The NBA preseason is a great opportunity for franchises to see what they have in their young players and several are using the time wisely.

While we knew we could expect greatness from Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, there are some other prospects who we would consider as more pleasant surprises thus far.

Based on what we have seen on the court during these exhibition matches, here are a few of the players who have stood out as potential rotation pieces that we may not have initially anticipated to see get minutes during their first professional campaigns next year.

Toumani Camara is playing like the ultimate steal of the Damian Lillard trade for the Blazers

Toumani Camara is already exceeding expectations.

The Portland Trail Blazers got a huge return after in exchange for Damian Lillard. While many will focus on the draft picks, they also got an impressive rookie.

Portland will have a new look next season, revitalizing their frontcourt by trading for Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams. The front office also added veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon as well as three first-round picks and two additional first-round pick swaps.

Dayton’s Toumani Camara, the 52nd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, was widely considered more of an afterthought. But perhaps, like Portland’s 2022 second-round pick Jabari Walker, he will exceed expectations.

This is not the first time we have written about Camara. Here was our last scouting report on the second-round pick:

“He performed well at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine and his lane agility (10.7 seconds) ranked in the 92nd percentile among all participants since 2000, via Stadium Speak.

Camara recorded 38 dunks last season,ย per Bart Torvik, which ranked fifth-best among all collegiate players drafted.ย The forward also shotย 72.0 percent at the rim, which was third-best among collegiate players drafted as well.

When he played at Dayton, he also showed a willingness to do the little things. For example, he averaged 0.15 off-ball screens per offensive chance. That ranked third-most among all drafted players,ย via Stats Perform.”

Although his jumper wasn’t falling during the NBA 2K24 Summer League, he showcased some impressive flashes while on the court.

He played four games with the Suns and reached double-digit scoring figures each time, even notching 20 points in two of the performances.

The former Dayton standout is once again playing well now that he is on the Trail Blazers.ย Camara is averaging 1.53 points per possession, per Synergy, which ranks in the 97th percentile so far during the preseason.

He is impressive in the open court, connecting on all three of his 3-pointers in transition. The forward is 5-for-8 (62.5 percent) on his jumpers and 3-for-4 (75.0 percent) at the rim, including two dunks.

He also has a strong defensive presence, recording two blocks and one steal against the Jazz on Oct. 14:

Here is what Portland head coach Chauncey Billups has said about Camara:

โ€œThere are so many things to love about (him),โ€ย Billups said. โ€œThe thing that stands out to me is his toughness. He donโ€™t quit on no play. It could be a breakaway layup (or) somebody coming downhill at him at a disadvantage, he donโ€™t care. He is fearless and is a competitor. Thatโ€™s what I love most about him. โ€ฆ When you put him out there, he is going to play his butt off.โ€

Camara will have an opportunity to fight for minutes in Portland’s rotation, and based on how he has played so far, he could even play an important role on the Trail Blazers next season.

Don’t be surprised if, as Tom Haberstroh noted, Camara develops a similar reputation to what Walker Kessler did after the Rudy Gobert trade last year.

Portland and Camara will close out the preseason with one final exhibition game against the Phoenix Suns, the franchise that drafted and then eventually traded the former Dayton forward.

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Trail Blazers’ Chauncey Billups names the standout quality about Toumani Camara

Toumani Camara arrived in Portland less than a month ago, but the 52nd pick has already impressed coach Chauncey Billups.

Toumani Camara arrived in Portland less than a month ago, but the 52nd pick has already impressed those around him, including head coach Chauncey Billups.

Camara was included in the three-team trade involving Damian Lillard on Sept. 27 from the Phoenix Suns. The trade was completed days before the start of training camp, which allowed Camara to get acclimated to a new system.

He seems to be adjusting well.

The 23-year-old tied a preseason-high of 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal on Saturday in a 138-133 loss to the Utah Jazz. He went 4-of-6 from the field and hit three 3-pointers in 24 minutes off the bench.

“There are so many things to love about (him),” Billups said. “The thing that stands out to me is his toughness. He don’t quit on no play. It could be a breakaway layup (or) somebody coming downhill at him at a disadvantage, he don’t care. He is fearless and is a competitor. That’s what I love most about him. … When you put him out there, he is going to play his butt off.”

Camara has had a good showing on offense this preseason for the Trail Blazers. He has emerged as a floor spacer and has had good off-ball movement for easy baskets. On the other end, Camara is showing signs of developing into a rim protector.

Camara is averaging 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in three preseason games on 5-of-7 shooting from 3-point range. He had his longest run off the bench versus the Jazz, which could be his eventual role for the team.

The Trail Blazers certainly wanted to maximize their return for Lillard, and it appears Camara could emerge as a regular contributor this season. He is looking forward to the opportunity.

“I just want to play basketball and have fun,” Camara said. “Get on the court and give it my all. I feel like that’s what I do every time. With our team and the way we’re set up, it could be anybody’s day. I’m just trying to go out there, have fun and play basketball.”

The Trail Blazers wrap up the preseason on Monday in Phoenix.

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Here is everything the Trail Blazers have received in return for Damian Lillard (so far)

This is MUCH better than what Miami reportedly offered.

After months of speculation, the Portland Trail Blazers traded Damian Lillard. In return, they have received a hefty package of players and picks.

The seven-time All-Star was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team trade involving the Phoenix Suns. He was traded alongside former teammates Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.

In return, the Trail Blazers received a package centered around Milwaukee’s Jrue Holiday. Portland, however, then re-routed Holiday to the Boston Celtics and landed two helpful players (Robert Williams and Malcolm Brogdon) and additional draft assets.

RELATED: The fallout from the Damian Lillard trade might have the Trail Blazers in big trouble with the NBA

Portland sends:

  • Damian Lillard
  • Jusuf Nurkic (to PHX)
  • Nassir Little (to PHX)
  • Keon Johnson (to PHX)

 

Portland receives:ย 

  • Deandre Ayton (via Suns)
  • Robert Williams (via Celtics)
  • Malcolm Brogdon (via Celtics)
  • Toumani Camara (via Suns)
  • 2024 1st-round pick (via Warriors)
  • 2029 1st-round pick (via Bucks)
  • 2029 1st-round pick (via Celtics)
  • Two first-round pick swaps with Bucks (2028, 2030)

So that’s three first-round picks and two pick swaps as well as a former No. 1 pick (Ayton) and other valuable assets.

Meanwhile, the package could grow a bit more before it is all said and done. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Trail Blazers are expected to keep Williams to pair alongside Ayton in the frontcourt.

However, the trade package could continue to grow if Brogdon is traded to another team before the season begins at the end of the month.

All things considered, this return is obviously much better than anything the Miami Heat reportedly offered.

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Report: The full details of the Damian Lillard to Bucks three-team trade

After months of trade speculation and rumors, the Trail Blazers have reportedly agreed to move Damian Lillard in a three-team trade.

After months of speculation and rumors, the Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to move Damian Lillard in a three-team trade involving the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.

The Trail Blazers will send Lillard to the Bucks in exchange for Jrue Holiday, a 2029 unprotected first-round pick and two unprotected pick swaps in 2028 and 2030. They will also receive Deandre Ayton and rookie Toumani Camara from the Suns.

The trade comes after the seven-time NBA All-Star requested to be moved in July. He informed the Trail Blazers that his preferred destination was the Miami Heat, but they never seriously engaged in trade conversations and the organization went in a different direction.

The Trail Blazers are expected to find a trade partner to move Holiday. The organization is said to be committed to moving forward with its younger players, which include Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons and Camara, the 52nd pick this year.

The full details of the trade, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

  • Bucks receive: Damian Lillard
  • Trail Blazers receive: Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, 2029 unprotected first-round pick, unprotected first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 with Bucks
  • Suns receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson

Lillard seemingly approved of the trade on social media.

Following the trade, the Bucks became the favorite (plus-400) to win the championship with Lillard in the picture, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook. They narrowly top the Denver Nuggets (plus-475), Boston Celtics (plus-500) and Suns (plus-650).

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5 second-round picks in 2023 who already look like draft steals during NBA Summer League

How did Leonard Miller and Andre Jackson fall to the second round?

While it is never a good idea to overreact to strong performances at NBA Summer League, there is a lot we can learn from these games.

For example, so far, we have already seen some standout showings from several prospects selected outside the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. Although it doesn’t mean these players are destined for continued dominance during their professional careers, there are other conclusions we can make.

Early in the Las Vegas-based tournament, some of the top players include second-round picks like Minnesota Timberwolves forward Leonard Miller. We took a deep dive to explain what we have seen from Miller, as well as a few other notable second-round picks, thus far.

This story used AI-Powered statistics provided by the Stats Performย database.

RELATED: Celtics rookie Jordan Walsh is dominating NBA Summer League thanks to better floor spacing

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