"When the Trail Blazers acquired Marcus Camby before the NBA trade deadline, they knew they were adding a difference-making defender and rebounder who would instantly provide some intimidation inside.

What they didn't expect was that Camby's addition would stimulate evolution within the Blazers' offense. But over the past month, particularly in recent games, that's precisely what has happened as coach Nate McMillan has installed and used new offensive sets that capitalize on Camby's underrated passing ability.

Turns out the defensive specialist is multidimensional.

"It's another option that you can try to take advantage of," McMillan said. "I just think both he and (Juwan) Howard are pretty good passers, so we've added (plays) where those guys are initiating the offense. We're running the offense through them some, spreading the floor. As opposed to our wings and guards feeding the post or starting the offense, we're running through Howard and Camby."

With his long and lean 6-foot-11 frame and soft hands, Camby has the ability to see over the lane from the high post and he has revealed a penchant for being able to deliver crisp and timely passes, either to LaMarcus Aldridge in the post or to a cutting teammate through the lane."