A New Era for the Portland Trail Blazers: Toumani Camara’s All-Defensive Selection
For the **first time** in **21 years**, the **Portland Trail Blazers** have a player on the **NBA’s All-Defensive Team**. Blazers second-year forward **Toumani Camara** was named to the second team, as the **NBA announced** on Thursday.
Camara became the **first Blazers player** to achieve this honor since **Theo Ratliff** following the **2003-04 season**. Additionally, he is the first Blazers forward to be named to the second team since **Scottie Pippen** after the **1999-2000 season**.
Moreover, the last Blazers player selected to the **first team** was forward **Buck Williams** during the **1989-90** and **1990-91 seasons**. Other notable players to be recognized include **Bill Walton**, **Maurice Lucas**, and **Lionel Hollins**.
As Camara’s career progresses, he could potentially join this esteemed list.
Standing at **6-foot-7**, his **disruptive style** on defense earned him a spot in the Blazers’ starting lineup during his rookie year. Coming into this season, the former **second-round draft pick** has elevated his game significantly, gaining respect from many of the **NBA’s top offensive players**.
Comments from opponents further showcase his abilities. **Damian Lillard**, guard for the **Milwaukee Bucks**, remarked in February, “I think he’s right up there at the top. His **competitiveness**, he has the size and the length and the energy to do it. He takes pride in it and he’s constantly going.” Lillard emphasized Camara’s impact, stating, “I think he’s one of the top two most valuable players on this team.”
**Jimmy Butler III** #10 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against **Toumani Camara** #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter of the game at the Moda Center on April 11, 2025. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)Getty Images
In March, the Blazers initiated a campaign promoting Camara for **Defensive Player of the Year**. Acquired from the **Phoenix Suns** prior to the **2023-24 season**, Camara finished ninth in the voting, indicating strong potential for future accolades.
Camara led the NBA with **31 charges drawn** and tied for ninth with **60 loose balls recovered**. His defensive prowess was further highlighted by an average of **1.5 steals per game**, placing him among the elite defensive players in the league.
On the offensive end, his improvement has been noteworthy. Camara recorded a **field goal percentage** of **45.8%** and a **three-point shooting percentage** of **37.5%**, establishing himself as a **premier 3-and-D player**.
Here is the list of Blazers to be named to the All-Defensive Team:
2024-2025: **Toumani Camara**, second team.
2003-2004: **Theo Ratliff**, second team.
1999-2000: **Scottie Pippen**, second team.
1991-92: **Buck Williams**, second team.
1990-91: **Buck Williams**, first team.
1989-90: **Buck Williams**, first team.
1980-81: **Kermit Washington**, second team.
1979-80: **Kermit Washington**, second team.
1978-79: **Maurice Lucas** and **Lionel Hollins**, second team.
1977-78: **Bill Walton**, **Maurice Lucas**, and **Lionel Hollins**, first team; **Bobby Gross**, second team.
1976-77: **Bill Walton**, first team.
As the Portland Trail Blazers look to the future, **Toumani Camara** stands out as a beacon of hope and talent, embodying the characteristics that make a player not just good, but **exceptional**.