Pros and Cons of Raptors keeping Chris Boucher over Thad Young
By Mike Luciano
Cons
Young proved that he brings a ruggedness, veteran moxie, and playmaking ability to the table that Boucher just does not have. Young was helping defend Joel Embiid in the post while still stealing the ball, setting up his teammates, and hitting the occasional open jumper when asked.
If the Raptors give Boucher a multi-year contract, they would be giving someone who is over 30 and has one year of production as a double-digit scorer a big chunk of their cap space. Young won’t demand the ball on offense, yet is consistently an impact player.
Thad Young does more things well for the Toronto Raptors.
While Boucher has been around the block once or twice in the pros, there’s something inherently valuable in adding a player like Young that can be a reliable veteran presence on a team that will still be incredibly young next year. Young is an ideal glue guy.
The Raptors wouldn’t have given up what was a fringe lottery pick at the time for a half-season of Young. They likely made that deal with the intent of getting him back. Given his ability to be impactful all over the floor and his leadership, Young could kick Boucher to the curb.