The Toronto Raptors went into the offseason well aware of the fact that Chris Boucher was one of the few bench players from the prior year’s squad that can be counted on to pile up points in tense situations. That was the motivation behind getting a deal done so quickly.
Boucher signed a three-year, $35 million contract with Toronto in one of the earliest moves any team made in free agency. He and Precious Achiuwa were expected to be the first two players off the Toronto bench on any given night. Despite a 22-rebound night from Achiuwa, Boucher has been the superior player of the two.
While the 143-100 scoreline from a blowout victory over a San Antonio Spurs team playing without Keldon Johnson might look like wire-to-wire domination, Toronto only led by one at the end of the first quarter. That’s where Boucher came in and helped put the Raptors in front for good.
Boucher recorded 17 points, eight rebounds, and two assists on 7-10 shooting while hitting a few 3-pointers and playing his usual blend of tough perimeter defense. On a team that lacks terrific bench options, Boucher has overtaken Achiuwa as the best player in this second unit with this performance.
This might be the best half of basketball I've ever seen Chris Boucher play. He's been brilliant.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 3, 2022
Chris Boucher is the Sixth Man for the Toronto Raptors.
Boucher has scored in double figures in four of the five games he’s played in since returning from injury, and he managed eight points in the one exception. Shooting the ball at a 64% clip, Boucher’s relentless efficiency has helped him elevate his game to such lofty heights.
Boucher’s slow start last year was so destructive for the Raptors because they didn’t have anyone to fill the void. Knowing this year that he is being compensated like an elite role player and being asked to put in the work on both ends, Boucher has responded to that challenge with some of the best basketball of his career.
Despite injuries to Otto Porter Jr. and Fred VanVleet in the last few games, Toronto’s offense has had back-to-back nights of 130 points after coming into Monday as one of the league’s worst-scoring teams. Boucher has played a small, albeit critical, role in that improvement.
Chris Boucher's 5 games this season:
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 3, 2022
10 points in 12 minutes.
13 points in 17 minutes.
8 points in 22 minutes.
11 points in 21 minutes.
17 points in 25 minutes.
He's shooting 64% from the field and 9-for-16 from 3.
The Raptors are going to lean heavily on their starting lineup to carry them to success this season, but Boucher sustaining this level of play is going to be necessary for the squad to achieve their peak potential. Playing ultra-efficient offensive ball should be a big help here.
Unlike what some trade-happy folks think, he’s staying for the long haul.