Raptors: Chris Boucher’s breakout season makes him one of the NBA’s top Canadian players

Toronto Raptors power forward Chris Boucher is having a career year. Currently, Boucher is averaging a career-high of 13.4 points per game, and he is ranked among the NBA’s best when it comes to PER this season. Boucher sits in elite company with names like Rudy Gobert, Paul George, and the Montreal native’s fellow Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Boucher and Gilgeous-Alexander share more than just their nationality in common. Both players have seen their roles and responsibilities increase on their respective teams this season.  Gilgeous-Alexander in many ways has been given the mantle of the franchise player on his rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder team.

Boucher has become increasingly important for the Raptors at the center position this season, providing rebounds for a Raptors team struggling on the glass, while starting center Aron Baynes continues to underwhelm.

Boucher’s continued improvement and versatility have not only made him one of the best stories in the NBA this season but also firmly places him as one of the NBA’s top Canadian players.

Where does Chris Boucher rank among Canadians?

Canadian players in the NBA have emerged as some of the most important players on their teams and in the league. Jamal Murray teamed with Nikola Jokic on a Denver Nuggets team that went to the Western Conference Finals last season. Andrew Wiggins has finally found some stability, with improved efficiency and much-improved defense on the Golden State Warriors.

Currently, Gilgeous-Alexander leads all Canadian players in points per game this season with 22.6. He is followed by Murray with 20.6, Wiggins with 17.7, R.J Barrett with 16.5, and Dillon Brooks with 15.8. Boucher rounds out the top 6 with 13.4 per game.

Despite Boucher missing out on the top five in points per game, he currently ranks second in rebounds per game among Canadian players with 6.6, behind only Celtics veteran Tristan Thompson who has 8.2. Only Barrett comes closest to Boucher and Thompson this season with 6.2, making the sophomore 3rd among Canadians this season.

Boucher is also a leader this season among Canadians in field goal percentage, with an impressive 52.2%, again behind only Thompson. He currently leads all Canadians in shot blocks, averaging 2 per game and 3-point field goal percentage at 43%.

These stats along with the aforementioned PER, which places him among the top in the league, prove he is not only one of the best Canadians in the NBA, but he is also among the most efficient and versatile players in the NBA in general.

Boucher’s importance to the Raptors this season makes him one of the NBA’s top Canadian players

As the Raptors struggle to replace Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka down the middle with an underperforming Aron Baynes, Boucher’s importance to the Raptors becomes even more crucial. Often this season Boucher has provided the only meaningful minutes at center, this is even more impressive considering he does it coming off the bench.

While not the biggest player in terms of build, Boucher’s 6’10 frame provides length and quickness on defense. His rebounding has been crucial on a Raptors team that ranks among the lowest in the league this season. Boucher’s timely shot blocks make the Raptors miss Serge Ibaka just a little less.

Boucher’s offensive game continues to improve. It is Boucher’s confidence when shooting that is perhaps aiding his improvement most of all. No matter if he’s missed his last 3 or 4 shots Boucher will always take another and be ready to miss or make.

That in many ways is what has described Boucher’s career and his current improvement and rise.  Ready off the bench to provide whatever the Raptors need, be it some defense, a rebound, or a three all the way from Montreal, he is truly making Canadians and Raptors fans proud.