The Toronto Raptors saw all of the positive momentum they acquired during a win over the Brooklyn Nets, their fourth consecutive win, blunted when they were dealt some grim injury news about standout reserve Chris Boucher.
Boucher left the win with what was termed a left knee sprain, meaning that there is a good chance the Raptors will not have his services for the next few games. Considering where they are in the standings, this could be a crippling blow for their morale and the state of Nick Nurse’s rotations.
The Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards are currently vying with Toronto for the No. 10 seed in the conference, meaning that every single game will have major implications in the standings. Not having Boucher will stretch this roster thin despite their new additions in the frontcourt.
Not only will Boucher be out for a good chunk of time, but he will likely be on a minutes restriction when he returns to action. With Boucher hobbled for the foreseeable future, these three Raptors players will need to play some of their best basketball of the season if they want to make it to the postseason.
Injury update: Chris Boucher, left knee sprain, will not return.
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 22, 2021
These 3 Toronto Raptors need to step up and replace Chris Boucher.
No. 3: Freddie Gillespie
While most 10-day contracts are used to quickly fill a hole at the end of the bench, Gillespie has become a member of Toronto’s rotation, as his rebounding and rim protection have helped fill the Raptors’ biggest hole. Gillespie is hovering at 17 minutes per game, putting up averages of 6.2 points per game on 64% shooting, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.
Ideally, Gillespie could make his mark as a backup center using his muscle, motor, and interior finishing to get some easy buckets. Unfortunately, Nurse might have no other choice but to put Gillespie at power forward, as doing so is the only way to adequetly replace Boucher without getting Stanley Johnson involved.
Freddie Gillespie will need to replace Chris Boucher off of the bench
Gillespie and Khem Birch have shared the floor before, but this is not an ideal arrangement given how both of them have very similar styles of play. Gillespie needs to realize that he might have to play some power forward, meaning he will have to learn on the fly how to become more effective on the offensive end on the fly.
Gillespie could earn a pro contract if he starts to show a bit more refinement in his post game and the ability to knock down an open jumper or two. Failing to do so could be a disaster for the Raptors, as lacking Boucher’s ability to extend his offensive range could be completely destabilizing for Toronto’s