Toronto Raptors: Stock up, stock down as winning streak concludes
By Mike Luciano
Stock Down: Chris Boucher
Boucher’s breakout year feels like a distant memory, as the player we saw on both ends of the floor in Tampa appeared to have missed the flight back up to Toronto. Not only has Boucher been declining offensively, but he’s lost minutes to the point where he’s been relegated to the third choice big man behind Achiuwa and Khem Birch.
Boucher’s minutes per game fell to 11.7 in the last three contests. Boucher averaged 2.7 points and 2.7 rebounds over the last week of games. His efficiency percentages were pitiful, as he made 27% of his shots and failed to connect on a single 3-point shot. This is as bad as it’s ever been for Boucher.
Chris Boucher is struggling for the Toronto Raptors.
Boucher’s defensive struggles might be more concerning than his offensive woes. Boucher averaged over two blocks per game for large chunks of last season, but he has looked out of sorts rotated and is blowing assignments with regularity.
Siakam’s return will likely squeeze one frontcourt player out of some minutes. Achiuwa starting hints that Nurse is still going to lean on him this season, and Birch is too reliable to drop. Boucher is blowing a chance to earn himself a hefty deal in the future considering he is a free agent at the end of the year.