It’s tough to ask this question to a kid who just got drafted to an NBA team that was also a part of the second round. But does the Suns’ NBA draft choice of Toumani Camara already have pressure on him to be a contributor right away?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!One could argue. With the Suns’ lack of depth due to a top-heavy payroll team, they have a rookie on a cost-controlled deal while only having 3 other role players signed through this upcoming season on cheap contracts.
To be fair free agency hasn’t started yet. There’s already been reports that the Suns are looking to bring back a lot of their own free agents on cost-friendly deals to round out the roster.
Even with those guys coming back, I still believe that the Suns’ new draft pick could be a key contributor right out of the gate for the team.
Camara in many ways reminds me of Torrey Craig with his ability to defend different positions as well as his ability to hit spot-up three-pointers.
Toumani Camara is the Suns’ pick at #52, and they got a guy that fills a hole on the team; lockdown defense & solid rebounding.
A 6’8” F with a 7” wingspan, that’s where the potential is for the Suns.pic.twitter.com/rAq0HXpE2O
— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) June 23, 2023
Toumani Camara has a well-rounded game. Defense is his strength – a big, versatile defender – but he’s got some offense too. Scoring in the post, finishing at the rim, shooting ability.
Looks like a prototypical NBA 3nD.
I think the Suns got a good one. pic.twitter.com/g4L0Wt1mGQ
— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) June 23, 2023
He’s a 4-year player and he just recently had his best collegiate season last year as he averaged 14 PPG, 9 RPG, 2 APG, and 1.2 SPG on 55% shooting and 36% from 3-point range which was a career-high.
He was on the Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team and Atlantic 10 All-Defensive team last year. He has a 7-foot wingspan and can handle the ball a little bit.
Make no mistake about it though, his upside is in his defensive game, and head coach Frank Vogel is going to have a field day deploying him and new acquisition Jordan Goodwin to the frame.
An NBA scout expert wrote a little about Camara’s upside and here’s what he had to say about a team taking a flier on him.
“If you’re looking to invest in a draft prospect who could help you sooner rather than later if the shot comes through, Camara is a good one to take a flier on.”
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We’ll see how much playing time he gets right out of the gate but for James Jones to get a Torrey Craig-like clone right out of the gate, bodes well for Phoenix.
