Camara Ranks Lillard Among NBA's Toughest to Guard
Trail Blazers defender Toumani Camara says Damian Lillard's first step remains elite even after his Achilles tear, following summer training sessions and 5-on-5 games together.
Toumani Camara has put Damian Lillard among the five hardest players in the NBA to guard, after a summer spent training alongside him and taking part in 5-on-5 games together.
Lillard is working his way back into Portland's rotation following an Achilles tear. Camara, the Trail Blazers' defensive specialist, said the recovery has not blunted the guard's first step.
"The most surprising thing for me is his first step, his speed. Given the injury. He was very difficult to guard. He has so many ways to get past a defender. He has perfect command of his body and his skill. You can be as good as you want on defence, but a player of that level will still get to where he wants to be. All you can do is hope he misses. Surprisingly, I saw real progress in his defence too. He genuinely wants to help out on that end. He pushes out of the paint, takes care of the small things. That was the most striking part," Camara said.
Portland have not confirmed a return date for Lillard, who tore his Achilles in April. Camara's account is the clearest sign yet that the guard has been able to train at something close to full intensity over the summer.
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