Raptors: Panic or patience on 3 struggling bench players
By Mike Luciano
2. Chris Boucher
Boucher was one of the few Raptors players who exceeded expectations last season. Not only did he average 13.6 points per game and show off an improved 3-point shot, but his shot-blocking prowess made him a rock-solid defensive presence. Almost none of those skills have translated over to 2021-22.
Boucher’s averages have plummeted despite Nurse keeping him in the rotation. Boucher is averaging just 5.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game on 37% shooting and 20% from 3-point range. This downturn in play has forced Nurse to cut into his minutes, as Boucher has gone from playing 24 minutes a night to just 14.
The Toronto Raptors have to be concerned with Chris Boucher.
Boucher is not only failing to replicate the performances he exhibited with stunning regularity last season, but he’s doing so ahead of his impending free agency. Toronto placed a great deal of trust in Boucher, and he hasn’t done his part to reward that trust with his lackluster play.
Boucher is becoming hard to trade away for draft picks and difficult to give extra minutes to. Rather than earning a multi-year deal in free agency, he may need to take a one-year “prove it” contract to rehabilitate his value. If Boucher wants to get back in the good graces of fans, a substantial step up in play is required.
Verdict: Panic