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Toronto Raptors: 4 biggest improvements to make after one month of 2020-21 season

By Stephen Nixon

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 18: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 18: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors – Chris Boucher (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

3. Let Chris Boucher Start

Keeping Boucher on the bench to maximize his potential makes a ton of sense, but it may be time to see what he can do as a starter.

Having Boucher on the bench is great for a few reasons. First, he’ll continue to play against the second-unit and should be able to score and defend better against them. Second, it limits his minutes. Nurse appears to be limited how much time he gets on the floor, as he’s never averaged more than 13 minutes per night in an NBA season prior to this year.

However, with this team on the outside of the playoff picture, why not see what you have with Boucher in the starting line-up?

Boucher signed a two-year contract worth roughly $7 million per season, and he will be a free agent after the 2021-22 season. As a result, the Raptors don’t have much time to decide whether or not they should keep him long-term or trade him. In order for the team to get the most out of their asset, it would be good to see what he can do as a starter.

If Boucher outperforms his contract, he could be a steal as their starting centre and the team won’t have to trade or sign someone to replace Baynes. If it turns out he can’t be the reliable starting centre, then the Raptors can look to find one via free agency or trade instead.