{"id":133773,"date":"2025-04-12T10:28:53","date_gmt":"2025-04-12T14:28:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=133773"},"modified":"2025-04-12T10:28:53","modified_gmt":"2025-04-12T14:28:53","slug":"portland-toumani-camara-guarding-sga-and-jokic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/04\/12\/portland-toumani-camara-guarding-sga-and-jokic\/","title":{"rendered":"Portland’s Defensive Ace On Guarding SGA And Jokic"},"content":{"rendered":"

It has become hard to deny the Trail Blazers’ bright future due to their promising players. Among those players is Portland’s defensive ace, Toumani Camara<\/a>, who has become one of the league’s most underrated wings. He has become a versatile defender who can guard multiple players including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> and Nikola Jokic<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Portland’s Defensive Ace On Guarding SGA And Jokic<\/h2>\n

The past few seasons have not been kind to the Portland Trail Blazers, as they continue rebuilding their squad. Losing Damian Lillard<\/a> to a trade request was tough, but the team continues to build for the long term. They are excellent with their draft picks, as they selected promising prospects like Scoot Henderson<\/a>, Shaedon Sharpe<\/a>, and Donovan Clingan<\/a>. Portland’s trade history has been lackluster, but they have hit two home runs with Camara and Deni Avdija<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Camara has been a revelation because he was the supposed add-on to Deandre Ayton<\/a> in the blockbuster 2023 trade.\u00a0 Now, Camara is a shoo-in for the Trail Blazers starting lineup. Toumani loves the responsibility of defending the opponent’s best player. The Belgian is one of the league’s most versatile defenders, going against stars like Shai and Jokic every night. He has gone under the radar, but he has a case for being the most underrated player in the league<\/a>. Rip City fans appreciate that he is part of the Blazers’ bright future.<\/p>\n

The Blazers Trust Camara To Guard Anyone<\/h3>\n

At 6’7″ and 229 pounds, Camara has all the physical tools to guard players from point guards to centers. That is a special skill, which is possible because of his frame and athleticism. His physical strength helps him withstand contact in the post, while his speed and athleticism are spectacular against guards. The Blazers struck gold in the Portland trade because Toumani has embraced the responsibility of guarding star players.<\/p>\n

“<\/em>With SGA, I would say he’s pretty shifty. He plays a lot of one-on-one iso. Like his mid-range, a lot of pump fakes, trying to draw fouls, and stuff like that. The most important for me is to stay in front of him,”<\/em> Toumani said<\/a> about defending the MVP candidates. “<\/em>Kinda the same with Jokic, as soon as he crosses half-court, try to be physical with him. Not to let him get to his spots. He’s a big body, he’s hard to maneuver. Trying to not let him breathe in a certain way.“<\/em><\/p>\n

No matter the assignment given to him, Camara takes on the challenge. He has a tremendous approach to defense, taking on challenges akin to Draymond Green<\/a>. Portland has always needed versatile defenders because they can create chaos and transition opportunities. Camara is a terrifying matchup because he can suffocate them with his defense and force them to make mistakes.<\/p>\n

Portland loves Camara’s defensive skills, and they have committed resources for a Defensive Player of the Year campaign. While he is unlikely to win the award, getting so much buzz for the All-Defensive Team proves his impact. The Trail Blazers organization appreciates him enough to want the rest of the league to follow suit.<\/p>\n

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There is no escape.https:\/\/t.co\/czVQzukRGa<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/6XiVZTUtwM<\/a><\/p>\n

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 31, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n