With the 2025 NBA Draft just weeks away, fans and analysts are debating potential picks for teams across the league. Amid these discussions, a growing sentiment is emerging—Carter Bryant should be one of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Interestingly, this opinion comes not from analysts but from the Blazers’ small forward, Toumani Camara, who was recently traded from the Phoenix Suns.
Blazers Small Forward Toumani Camara Joins Fans in Campaign to Bring Carter Bryant to Portland
Basketball is often a big man’s game, especially when it comes to defense. So when you have someone like Carter Bryant—a 6’8″ forward from Arizona—NBA teams are bound to take notice.
With the 2025 NBA Draft just weeks away, mock drafts are heating up, and one name that keeps popping up is Arizona forward Carter Bryant. But it’s not just fans buzzing about him—Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara is leading the charge to bring Bryant to Rip City.
On his X account (@ToumaniBuckets), Camara shared a passionate post, writing, “The Blazers should draft Carter Bryant” ▫️ 6’8 ▫️ Elite defender ▫️ Amazing athlete ▫️ Great feel for the game ▫️ Doesn’t demand the ball “BRING HIM HOME.🔥”
The Blazers should draft Carter Bryant
▫️6’8
▫️Elite defender
▫️Amazing athlete
▫️Great feel for the game
▫️Doesn’t demand the ballBRING HIM HOME.🔥 pic.twitter.com/Bx2Jlfcb5G
— Toumani Buckets (@ToumaniBuckets) May 15, 2025
That post struck a chord with fans who believe Bryant fits perfectly into Portland’s young, gritty rebuild. And they’re not wrong.
Even without Bryant, Portland’s defense has been quietly impressive. After the All-Star break, the Blazers had the second-best defensive rating in the league (112.1), trailing only the Golden State Warriors. In their last 10 games, they led the NBA in defensive rating (104.7), rebounding percentage (53.2%), and opponent effective field goal percentage (49.1%).
But adding Bryant could take them to another level. During his freshman year at Arizona, the 19-year-old averaged 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds and shot 37% from three, all while playing strong defense.
Though his production wasn’t eye-catching, he shifted the conversation at the NBA Draft Combine by impressing executives with his size, perimeter shooting, passing ability, and defensive versatility.
KEEP READING: ‘Reminds Me of OG Anunoby’: Analyst Calls Carter Bryant 2025 NBA Draft’s Biggest Swing Pick
Now, his draft stock is rising fast. Mock drafts project him going between 10th and 16th overall, and with reports suggesting that Portland is looking for two-way wings, the California native could be the ideal pick since he can offer both size and skill on both ends of the court.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
