Blazers Rising Star Makes Surprising Decision on Playing This Offseason

Alex Kirschenbaum|
Jan 14, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers (from left to right) Kris Murray (24), Scoot Henderson (00), Donovan Clingan (23), Shaedon Sharpe (17) and Toumani Camara (33) walk back to the court after a timeout during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Jan 14, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers (from left to right) Kris Murray (24), Scoot Henderson (00), Donovan Clingan (23), Shaedon Sharpe (17) and Toumani Camara (33) walk back to the court after a timeout during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images

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Portland Trail Blazers

A key young Portland Trail Blazers star has made a surprising decision about suiting up this offseason.

Per a new report from Eurohoops, All-Defensive Team Blazers combo forward Toumani Camara has opted to sit out from for this month's EuroBasket competition.

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Camara, who plied his trade for his native Team Belgium in last year's Paris Olympics, will be joined on the sidelines by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell.

In a press statement, the Belgium Basketball Federation explained why both Mitchell and Camara would miss the action. Mitchell, who just won a title this summer, continues to recover from a foot injury during a demanding and lengthy season.

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"Toumani Camara is also eager to play for the national team" in addition Mitchell, the statement read. "However, this summer is not the ideal time to join the Belgian Lions, as he is focused on taking an important next step in his NBA career.”

The 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout second pro season in 2024-25, stepping up his game on both sides of floor. Camara's emergence as a versatile, switchy defender with the speed to cover wings and the size to bother bigs helped define Portland as a frisky defensive team during the second half of the season. For his efforts, he was named to the 2025 All-Defensive Second Team.

Across 77 games (all starts) for Portland last year, the 6-foot-7 pro averaged 11.3 points on .456/.370/.722 shooting splits, 5.8 rebounds, 22.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.6 rebounds a night.

More news: 

Former Blazers Forward Suddenly Retires From International Play Ahead of EuroBasket

Blazers Make Massive Decision on Key Frontcourt Member

For more news and notes on the Portland Trail Blazers, visit Portland Trail Blazers on SI.

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Alex Kirschenbaum
ALEX KIRSCHENBAUM

Currently also a scribe for Newsweek, Hoops Rumors, The Sporting News and "Gremlins" director Joe Dante's film site Trailers From Hell, Alex is an alum of Men's Journal, Grizzlies fan site Grizzly Bear Blues, and Bulls fan sites Blog-A-Bull and Pippen Ain't Easy, among others.

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