Chauncey Billups’ Blazers have undergone a significant transformation recently. From being a team with a bleak future, they became one of the league’s most promising teams. Portland’s defense has Toumani Camara, who has elite defensive ability, as its focal point.

Apr 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Chauncey Billups Believes The Blazers Are A Top NBA Defense

Since the 2021-22 season, the Portland Trail Blazers have been a mediocre team. Even when they had superstar guard Damian Lillard, they were barely competing in a loaded Western Conference. That shifted when they traded Lillard away to the Milwaukee Bucks to initiate a full-on rebuild.

Under Billups, the Blazers have become more focused on locking in defensively. The front office acquired superb defenders like the versatile Toumani Camara, drafted Donovan Clingan, and more. It has been a fantastic rebuild in their defensive improvement, which Billups always highlights.

Billups’ Blazers Deserve Praise For Defensive Improvements

In the past, the Blazers’ main issue was their lack of defensive structure. Lillard was the shining crown for the team due to his offense, but the defense was always missing. Ironically, Lillard’s exit in 2023 led to Portland shifting the focus to the defensive side of the ball. It is even more interesting now that Lillard is back on a three-year contract.

Billups has been stellar with how he and his staff conduct his defense. They have talented players with Camara and Clingan leading the way, but the coach also demands effort from his players. That was what happened with Shaedon Sharpe, who is arguably the team’s most promising player. However, he did not play the best defense that he was capable of, which led to a stint on the bench.

“It all starts with Toumani Camara… It all starts with 33”

Portland has the #1 defense in the last 10 games (104.7 DEF RTG) pic.twitter.com/3HUdundENT

— kup (@bleepinbloop) February 5, 2025

Portland’s defense has high standards, and that could be the key to the team’s success. The Oklahoma City Thunder showed what an elite defense could do in the 2024-25 season. The Trail Blazers could replicate that and improve the offense later on. With their effort, the players have shown they deserve the praise they are getting for playing great defense.

Portland’s Defense Has Become Overlooked Around The League

Many people forget that the Trail Blazers had a fantastic second half to the season. They finished the season 16th in defensive rating at 113.7. However, that does not tell the whole story for the Blazers. They were superb in the second half of the season, posting a 110.4 defensive rating from January 15, 2025.

Billups made sure to call out the national media about this during a mid-game interview at NBA Summer League.

“Most of the world, and even you, now that I hear this question, haven’t really watched us play last year. That’s what we do. We pick up full-court every single time,” Billups said on ESPN’s Summer League broadcast. “Toumani Camara is one of the best in the league, picking up the guy in full, end-to-end. When you have a young team, and you’re trying to build an identity together, that’s where you do it.”

Toumani on defense.. ABSOLUTE CINEMA pic.twitter.com/ADsv9ZD2UH

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 9, 2025

The Trail Blazers know what they are doing with their defense. The offense will follow, especially as Scoot Henderson continues his development. With a point guard like him alongside a natural scorer like Sharpe, the offense will follow. Considering Lillard is back, he will also contribute to the offense when he can play in the 2026-27 season.

A strong defensive foundation will be the key for Billups’ Blazers. As long as they can develop and improve, Portland will have a tough team for the foreseeable future.

Photo credit: © Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images