Suns Rookie Toumani Camara Shines in Summer League Debut

Phoenix Suns rookie Toumani Camara got off to a great Summer League campaign.

Phoenix Suns second-round draft pick Toumani Camara was eager to prove himself in the NBA Summer League.

He did just that. 

Though the Suns lost, pick No. 52 of the 2023 NBA Draft got his career off to a strong start in Phoenix's 84-75 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, amassing 20 points, eight rebounds and one steal in over 30 minutes of action. 

He also claimed his first highlight of his career on this strong dunk:

Toumani Camara 😳 pic.twitter.com/vzaXon3VcM

— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 9, 2023

Though it's ultimately a meaningless game, the Suns' lone rookie did enough to warrant praise following his debut. 

Blah blah blah it's only Summer League blah blah blah

Toumani Camara looks really impressive.

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) July 9, 2023

Suns coach Quinton Crawford was impressed with the Dayton product. 

"He was great. He did everything we asked him to do. We use him as a Swiss Army knife. He showed that he can bring the ball up the court. He showed that he can play the five [inaudible] and a bunch of different things. I think his first showing in the NBA was really good."

More from Crawford:

“He did everything we asked him to do. We use him as a Swiss Army knife.”

Coach Quinton Crawford on Toumani Camara’s first Summer League game: pic.twitter.com/RUhOAYLxF9

— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) July 9, 2023

Camara himself said he enjoyed being a versatile defensive player, guarding multiple positions for Phoenix when needed. 

“I love it. I feel like that’s part of my game, that’s part of my identity - who I am. I take a lot of pride in that, like I said today I feel like I didn't do a good job of boxing out, so I feel like [it's about] keep watching film, learning and going on the next day."

“I love it. I feel like that’s part of my game, that’s part of my identity.”

Toumani Camara talked about going from guarding wings to the 7-foot-6 Tacko Fall: pic.twitter.com/sbH6t8ndNy

— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) July 9, 2023

After dropping their first game of the Summer League, the Suns have the remaining schedule:

Monday, July 10: Suns vs Heat (Thomas & Mack Center, 3:30 pm local time, NBA TV)

Tuesday, July 11: Suns vs Pelicans (Cox Pavilion, 5:00 pm local time, ESPN 2)

Friday, July 14: Suns vs Jazz (Cox Pavilion, 8:00 pm local time, ESPN 2)

Last game will be July 15 or 16 with date, time, venue and TV TBD