Raptors confidence meter: How will new-look bench perform?

Somewhat Confident: Chris Boucher, Otto Porter Jr.

Boucher was brought back on a three-year contract. This is a great development for him personally, as he came from an improbable beginning and earned eight figures worth of guaranteed money. While a strong finish to the season, is it fair to ask questions about how he will perform in his age-30 season?

Boucher started last year so poor that he was a healthy scratch in November, yet he redeemed himself with a great postseason run. Shot-blocking and 3-point shooting, two areas that he used to set himself apart, were not as strong last season. Boucher will be solid, but he’ll need to get back to his Tampa form to justify the contract.

How will Chris Boucher and Otto Porter Jr. mesh?

Porter is an elite shooter who will help plug one of Toronto’s biggest holes last season. While he’ll be playing more of a perimeter-oriented role than he was in his time with the Warriors, he should be able to provide a convincing facsimile of many of the perimeter snipers the Raptors have helped mold.

If there are reasons for concern, durability has to be at or near the top of the list. Porter’s 63 games played last year was still the highest total he’s amassed in the past three seasons. Porter has a bit of a slow start in October and November, which could be problematic given how quick Nick Nurse can be to axe underperforming reserves.