The Portland Trail Blazers went 2-1 this week, earning wins over the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets before ending the stretch with a loss to the Boston Celtics.
There were a number of great contributors for the Blazers that helped them beat some of the Western Conference elite, but Blazer of the Week goes to forward Toumani Camara.
The second-year forward has been improving his offensive skillset throughout the season, and his scoring numbers were on full display. He averaged 16.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 52.9% from the field and from behind the arc. His ability to contribute to the offensive side of the ball, partnered with his defensive skill, has continued to accentuate his importance to the team.
Camara’s ability to be a threat as a catch-and-shoot release valve on the perimeter and as a cutter have made the Blazers’ offense more dynamic as he has grown. While Camara was once able to be left in the corner and somewhat ignored, his growth as a shooter has forced defenders to stay close to him more often, opening up driving lanes for teammates.
Not to mention, of course, the defense. Camara averaged 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks per game this week while matching up with Jaren Jackson Jr., Jamal Murray and Jayson Tatum. Camara’s ability to defend the opposing teams’ best player is incredibly valuable and has been a major catalyst for Portland’s drastic improvement this season. Being able to limit the impact Jackson and Murray have when Ja Morant and Nikola Jokic are out makes those games much more winnable for the Blazers.
This week’s honorable mention is Deni Avdija.
Avdija has become so good for the Blazers that I am having to restrain myself from making him Blazer of the Week every week. This week was no exception as he averaged 28.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 54.0% from the field and 55.0% from three. Avdija continued to prove that he can be the best player on a Portland team that has gone 19-12 since January 19th.
Let us know in the comments which Blazers players stood out most to you!