knew what exactly? Cronin explicitly said the priorities in assets he wanted back in a Dame trade was draft picks & young prospects. Phoenix did not have any player, 23 and younger, except Camara. He was the only Phoenix player that fit the criteria that Cronin had already listed (and 23 is probably right on the edge of 'young'). I'd imagine that Camara's SL performance helped assure the Blazers. But I'm highly skeptical that the Blazer FO knew they were potentially getting a long-term starter at SF, who happened to be a great defender with both 2-way and glue-guy potential. That looks like good fortune finally breaking in Portland's direction than the other way around
I think the addition of Mike Schmidt and two new Euro scouts had him on the radar. A lot of teams missed out on drafting him. His questionable shooting and age were probably issues as he's older than most rookies and not an offensive powerhouse at all. His defensive instincts have just translated really well to the NBA game. I do think we got lucky with him.
(This isn’t directed at you) Can we start giving Schmitz the benefit of the doubt on this shit. Ex grabbing walker, and being long on Murray and Rupert.
Does anything think Camara could become a relatively respectable shooter by the end of the season? He’s shooting 40% in December, which includes a 0/4 and 2/10 game. Part of it is probably due to the return of guys like Ant and Grant. His season average of around 30% isn’t terrible for a first year player. Outside of bad shooting nights on 5+ 3pa, he has plenty of 1/2, 2/4, 2/2 games. I’m hoping for around 33% by the end of the season.
Then he turned their heads in Summer League. If they gave him a workout, then they were already interested. Another gem thanks to our scouting department.
maybe he did improve every season on three point shooting in his 4 year college career: .172 .263 .338 .363 generally, he improved every season in a lot of areas but that's pretty common for 4 year college players still, he finished as a 30.7% shooter from three in college; from a line 2 feet closer than the NBA. 30.7% in college and 30.4% this season seem to correlate. The stat from college that makes me a little skeptical is his FT shooting. He was only a 63% shooter in college; and 68% as a Blazer. It's not a hard and fast rule but usually, FT% is a decent gauge of a player's inventory of shooting skills
Season over for Camara. Fractured rib and lacerated Kidney. https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/to...oXUbwFL9rpGZRpGwuqtYwyStxkHq6M7qqSwnRUuvmEykF
I think he can bring a Jerome Kersey-type toughness to a team. Just needs to spend all summer working on his jumper. He already shoots the three at 33.7 percent, so I think he can get up around 35-36% But he needs a mid-range shot too.
