Toumani Camara Is Doing the Dirty Work-and the Blazers Are Better for It
When you talk about the Portland Trail Blazers this season, the spotlight naturally finds its way to Shaedon Sharpe’s athleticism or Deni Avdija’s do-it-all versatility. But if you're really watching the games-like, really paying attention-you’ll notice another name quietly making a major impact: Toumani Camara.
Now in his third season, Camara is averaging 12.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists over 33.8 minutes per game. On paper, those numbers won’t blow you away.
But if you’re only looking at the box score, you’re missing the bigger story. Camara’s value doesn’t lie in gaudy stats or flashy highlights.
It’s in the grit, the grind, and the glue he brings to a young Blazers squad still finding its identity.
Defensive Backbone
Camara’s calling card is defense-and not just the kind that shows up in a stat column. He’s the guy picking up ball handlers full-court, sliding into the lane to take charges, and staying locked in through every rotation.
He’s relentless, but not reckless. That’s a rare combo.
He doesn’t gamble for steals or go chasing blocks that aren’t there. Instead, he plays smart, positional basketball.
His defensive IQ is well beyond his years. While his steals and deflections are down this season, that’s not a knock on his effort-it’s a reflection of his evolving role.
He’s been tasked with more point-of-attack responsibilities, which means less freedom to roam and disrupt, but more value in containment and structure. He’s become the handle of the defensive broom, not the bristles-and that’s just as important, if not more.
There’s a reason he ranks among the league leaders in charges drawn. He’s not just reacting-he’s anticipating.
He covers ground like few others, and he’s usually a step ahead of the play. That kind of defensive presence doesn’t always make highlight reels, but it wins possessions.
And in a league where margins are razor-thin, that matters.
Offense in the Right Role
Offensively, Camara isn’t going to carry your scoring load-and that’s okay. He’s not built to be a first or second option, and trying to force him into that role would be a disservice to both him and the team. But slot him in as a fourth option, and suddenly things start to click.
He’s not the guy you want breaking down defenders in isolation, but he doesn’t have to be. He thrives when the defense is already moving-when he can catch and shoot from the corner, or cut hard to the rim off a swing pass.
In those moments, he becomes a serious problem for opposing defenses. He’s not a pure catch-and-shoot player, but he’s far more effective when he’s reacting to the flow rather than initiating it.
His offensive game is still developing, and yes, the three-point shot could use a bump in consistency. But in today’s NBA, where spacing and secondary actions are everything, Camara fits. He may not be the centerpiece, but he’s the kind of player who makes your centerpiece look better.
A Player Built for the Long Haul
At nearly 26 years old, Camara is entering his prime with a skill set that’s built to last. He would’ve been right at home in the grind-it-out, defense-first era of the past, but he’s also adaptable enough to thrive in the modern game. He understands his role, plays within it, and brings the kind of effort and intelligence that coaches dream about.
He’s not a star in the traditional sense. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard or dominate the headlines.
But he’s the kind of foundational piece every team needs-especially one like Portland, which is still in the early stages of a rebuild. He’s the mortar holding the bricks together.
And right now, there aren’t many players on the Blazers roster you can say that about.
So if you’re watching Portland and wondering who’s doing the dirty work-who’s making the subtle plays that don’t always get noticed-look for No. 33. Toumani Camara may not be the loudest name in the room, but his game speaks volumes.