BEVERLY HILLS (MI) – Time once again for the “From the Swamp” feature “What do we know about…” This chapter takes a break from looking at incoming UD players to investigate the roster situation of the NBA Phoenix Suns, the new home for #52 pick Toumani Camara.
There was some confusion immediately after his selection that Camara was headed to Washington, but NBA draft expert Shams Charania finally set the record straight on Twitter:
Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
Clarity here: Toumani Camara will be with the Suns. Phoenix targeted and selected him tonight. The pick was not part of the Bradley Beal trade.
Gotta love the fact that the Suns “targeted” Toumani which is interesting since he never actually worked out for them. Phoenix must have liked what they saw from him at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament where Camara averaged 20 PPG and 11 RPG.
Jablo has the details on Toumani hearing his name called in The DDN:
Here is what it looked and sounded like on ESPN:
https://twitter.com/suns/status/1672114893569536001?s=61&t=QNEt46d-f16_brrO5DzR-A
Some analysis from the draft gurus at The Athletic:
Vecenie’s ranking: 67
It’s easy to sell yourself on a 6-foot-7 player without shoes who has a 7-foot wingspan and plays solid, switchable defense. In the NBA today, there might be no easier player type to sell yourself on. Camara is certainly worth a two-way flier, given his frame, defense and potential to shoot it. But I can’t quite get to guarantee level given that he is still a bit limited off the bounce, a bit limited as a passer and a questionable shooter. If the Suns were to invest in a draft prospect who could help them sooner rather than later if the shot comes through, Camara was a good one to take a flier on.
Hollinger’s analysis: I really like this pick for Phoenix. Camara has stretch 4 potential with plus switchability, and is still evolving into the player he can be long-term after coming over from Belgium as an undersized 5 four years ago. He can also help the Suns’ tax situation if he stays in their 14th roster spot on a minimum deal, so he might be one of the few guys in the final 15 picks who doesn’t end up on a 2-way.
Arizona Sports with an in-depth analysis of the Suns’ lone draft pick:
https://arizonasports.com/story/3526463/toumani-camara-pick-in-nba-draft-adds-more-defense-to-suns/
More of the same from Bright Side of the Sun:
Tweet from Mongolian Mike’s dad:
SHARK
@Sharavjamts55
Congratulations
You guys got a great one!!!
“From the Swamp” Editorial comment: The NBA Draft production is a mess.
Tried to watch the ESPN broadcast but ended up switching to the “Inside the Association Draft Special” webcast on Stadium featuring Jeff Goodman, Robbie Hummel, Camron Smith and Pat Garrity. You can watch all 4 hours of it here if you are so inclined:
https://twitter.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1672030592337080320?cxt=HHwWgMCz3eC9n7QuAAAA
What drove me away from “The Worldwide Leader” was the non-stop Wemby hype, the endless fashion show, the weak interviews with parents, the fact that they were several picks behind and outside of Jay Bilas, the lack of any real player analysis. I totally lost it when ESPN host Malika Edwards said this of the University of Michigan’s Jett Howard after he was selected by Orlando:
“From Lansing to The League.”
The other totally stupid aspect to the draft is the NBA’s insistence in not updating trades in real time, resulting in drafted players donning a cap for a team for which they will never play. When Toumani was drafted the Bradley Beal trade had still not been officially announced. What’s the point?
Okay, so what is Toumani getting himself into in Phoenix?
Here is the Suns roster as it is currently configured after they acquired Bradley Beal and jettisoned CP3:
https://www.lineups.com/nba/roster/phoenix-suns
The final Phoenix lineup will be subject to change due to free agent movement and financial considerations. However, getting to play every day with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal ain’t too shabby.
One downside to Toumani being drafted by the Suns is that they do not have a G-League team.
The analysis from Arizona Sports that is linked above notes:
On the current roster, Camara is the only other wing besides Durant. Ish Wainright’s team option is likely to get picked up and the Suns have Bird rights to retain Torrey Craig. They’ll presumably want Josh Okogie back as well. That’s four defensive-minded wings off the bench, as the identity of the team under head coach Frank Vogel continues to take shape.
Arizona Sports also talked to AG about what Camara brings to the table for the Suns:
https://arizonasports.com/story/3526495/dayton-coach-suns-toumani-camara-knows-who-he-is-as-player/
This is from a Phoenix fan’s Twitter post:
Suns Are Better
@SunsAreBetter
It says a lot that the Suns sought out to keep this #52 pick after trading essentially every other draft asset they have available.
They see something in Toumani Camara, and I’m sure they envision him being a contributor as soon as next season.
Let’s hope it works out that way.
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.
We won’t have to wait long to see Tou in action. Note: All game times are PDT:
Suns summer league schedule
July 8 (Saturday) vs. Bucks 6p NBATV
July 10 (Monday) vs. Heat 3:30p NBATV
July 11 (Tuesday) vs. Pelicans 5p ESPN2
July 14 (Friday) vs. Jazz 8p ESPN2
Finally, you gotta like the fact that NPOY Oscar Tshiebwe, All-American Drew Timme and Adama Sanogo of National Champion UConn did not get drafted, but our guy did.
That’s it “From the Swamp.”
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