On this Valentine's Day, we cannot say that the love story between Henderson scoot And TOUMANI CAMARA was immediate. The first days, last season, the two rookies did not really hang or exchanged. No love at first sight, each one trying above all to find their marks in the professional world. However, impressions are emerging.
“I liked the tou mentality. If you are a dog, you are already in my heart, you already have my love. I respected that from the start at home ”entrusts Scoot Henderson to The Athletic. “I had heard so much about him, but without having ever seen him play”continues Toumani Camara. “At the beginning, he was silent, humble, but as soon as we played, he was aggressive and intense. I was very impressed. »»
Over the months, it has become crazy love. The Belgian, who takes up more and more space recently, says it clearly: “I have so much love and confidence for scooter. »» It must be said that, as the coach assistant Chris Fleming, “On many aspects, they were sunk in the same mold, so it is not surprising that there is a link between them. They have similar values ”.
Therefore, they spend their lives outside the parquet floors together. “It came naturally. The way we talk to each other, we are kidding. It's hard to say how it was done. There was no time when we thought we were friends. This is something that has evolved ”tells Toumani Camara, who insists on alchemy on the parquet or elsewhere, “Important for a young team”.
“” I think there are certain passes that Scoot makes to all that he does not make to other guys ”
This connection between the two young Blazers players (24 for the Belgian, 21 for the American) is even visible on the parquet floor details Chauncey Billups.
“I really felt that they were getting closer, because I saw them more together. Then, on the ground, they started to establish a very good alchemy together. I think there are certain passes that Scoot gives to all that he does not make to other guys. They have a connection, a kind of mutual knowledge “analyzes the Portland coach.
“We have fun saying that we are twins given our journeys. Nothing is given to us, nothing is easy. Our first season was not easy at all, but we continue to fight ”, Slide Scoot Henderson. And to dream since the two often evoke a very ambitious goal. “Tou and me, we tell ourselves that we are going to do such a thing, that we will succeed together, that we will succeed in doing it here in Portland. We didn't tell anyone but we have these discussions. »»
“Succeeding in doing it” is simply a way to talk about the NBA title. “We talked about it more than once. We say it all the time ”confirms Toumani Camara. “To see them want to succeed here is rare these days”rejoices Chauncey Billups. “It looks like everyone thinks especially of their contract, their way, their city etc. So having players who are proud to be there, who want to win here is important. We can see him with the passion that both have when they play. »»
| Henderson scoot | Percentage | Rebound | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | Lf | Off | Def | Early | PD | Fte | Int | COP | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | Por | 62 | 29 | 38.5 | 32.5 | 81.9 | 0.9 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 5.4 | 3.1 | 0.8 | 3.4 | 0.2 | 14.0 |
| 2024-25 | Por | 47 | 27 | 43.4 | 36.5 | 78.9 | 0.7 | 2.3 | 3.0 | 5.3 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 2.6 | 0.3 | 12.4 |
| Total | 109 | 28 | 40.3 | 34.1 | 80.6 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 5.3 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 0.2 | 13.3 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.
| TOUMANI CAMARA | Percentage | Rebound | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | Lf | Off | Def | Early | PD | Fte | Int | COP | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | Por | 70 | 25 | 45.0 | 33.7 | 75.8 | 2.0 | 2.9 | 4.9 | 1.2 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 7.5 |
| 2024-25 | Por | 53 | 32 | 44.4 | 35.6 | 74.7 | 2.3 | 3.6 | 5.9 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 10.1 |
| Total | 123 | 28 | 44.7 | 34.8 | 75.3 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 5.3 | 1.6 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 8.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.
