Toumani Camara and Ajay Mitchell won’t participate in EuroBasket for the Belgian national team, according to Eurohoops.net.
An announcement from the Belgium Basketball Federation provided more clarity on their decisions:
“Ajay Mitchell will not participate in the European Championship with the Belgian Lions. After a long and demanding season and a foot injury, he has decided to rest and recover for the new NBA season. He remains motivated to play for Belgium and looks forward to the opportunities that will arise in the coming years.
“Toumani Camara is also eager to play for the national team. However, this summer is not the ideal time to join the Belgian Lions, as he is focused on taking an important next step in his NBA career.”
Camara could be motivated by his NBA contract status. He’s one of the biggest bargains in the league. The Trail Blazers’ forward will make $2,221,677 in the upcoming season and the club holds an option for the 2026/27 season.
Camara is a prime candidate for a lucrative extension to wipe out the final year of that contract. He started 78 games last season, averaging 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Camara’s defensive versatility is his biggest strength. He was named to All-Defensive Second Team.
Mitchell earned All-Rookie Second Team honors for the league champion Thunder despite appearing in only 36 games. He missed 46 contests due to toe surgery. The 6’5″ shooting guard averaged 6.5 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.8 APG and 0.7 SPG across 16.6 MPG.
Their absences will leave Belgium without a current NBA player for the upcoming tournament.