Toronto Raptors: Where the Raptors stand in the 2020-21 NBA Awards race

Sixth Man of the Year

Here is an award that does have some wonder if the Raptors could pull off an upset. Boucher has been excellent this season and has shown that he can be extremely effective off the bench. As we’ve already highlighted, he has been averaging approximately two blocks per game for the entire season.

Beyond that, he’s also scoring 13.5 points, cleaning the glass to the tune of 6.6 rebounds, and adding 1.1 assists per game. Boucher has been the spark that ignites the bench for the Raptors on both ends of the floor.

As well as he’s played, it will be extremely difficult to pry this award away from Jordan Clarkson. He and his teammate Joe Ingles are likely to be the two favourites for the prize at this point in the season.

Chris Boucher might lose out on 6MOTY due to the Jazz

Though not likely, voters may potentially watch these two players enter into games together and decide that their play is strong as a tandem and not deserving of an individual award. The truth is that even if that were to occur, the Dallas Mavericks’ Jalen Brunson would probably be the next candidate in line for the win.

There is still a good chance that Boucher could receive votes for the award and that should put a smile on his and his teammates’ faces.

It demonstrates that Boucher’s commitment and hard work to get himself to this point in his career has paid off. Just being a part of this conversation, a few years removed from playing in the G-League, should inspire other young players trying to earn their spot and follow their dreams.