Trail Blazers fans should be thrilled about their team's 5-3 start to the season, especially considering the demanding schedule they've endured. Jrue Holiday is having a bounce-back season at 35 years old, justifying Portland's Anfernee Simons trade with the Boston Celtics. Deni Avdija continues his ascent and could be in the All-Star and Most Improved Player of the Year conversation.
While Holiday and Avdija have emerged as Portland's two best players, they aren't necessarily the most important players on this roster. That distinction belongs to Portland's true X-Factor, Toumani Camara.
Toumani Camara is the Blazers' ultimate X-Factor
Portland extended Camara to a four-year, $82 million deal before the start of the season.