3 ways to improve the Raptors’ league-worst bench scoring

2. Sub out Chris Boucher, trust Yuta Watanabe

Boucher has provided very little in the way of positive contributions on either end of the floor. His shooting percentages have plummeted and his defensive skill appears to have been completely sucked away. The Raptors might lose an interior presence by taking his minutes away, but Watanabe has earned an increased role.

The Raptors didn’t play Boucher a single minute against Boston despite all of the injuries, which could be Nurse sending a message about his place within the team. Swapping out a big in Boucher for a perimeter-oriented player in Watanabe might sound risky, but Yuta has earned more time once his minute restriction is lifted.

Will Raptors coach Nick Nurse lean on Yuta Watanabe?

Watanabe’s offensive game is starting to become more varied now that he has some NBA experience under his belt. Even with his improvements in that area, he’ll get on the floor because of how skilled he is as a defender. That energy and hustle are hard to replace.

Boucher used to be a terrific shot-blocker and 3-point sniper, but his value has gone down the drain this season. Watanabe stands to benefit from Boucher’s struggles now that he is at full strength. Perhaps his two-way skills will be what snaps this bench out of the trance they have been in all season long.