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Toronto Raptors start, bench, cut: Precious Achiuwa, Chris Boucher, Christian Koloko

By Mike Luciano

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 14: Christian Koloko #35 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 14: Christian Koloko #35 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors, Chris Boucher
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 2: Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Cut: Chris Boucher

Boucher remains a fairly beloved figure in Toronto, as his ride from a complete unknown to a solid bench player on some quality Raptors teams would be rejected from Hollywood for being too unrealistic. That said, there is a firm ceiling on what Boucher can provide for this Raptors team.

Boucher is on the wrong side of 30, and he has never been a player who can trusted to create for himself offensively. Boucher is the most expendable of this trio, lacking the interior defense of Koloko due to his frame and the raw athletic talent that Achiuwa brings to the table.

Will the Toronto Raptors part with Chris Boucher?

Boucher would still have enough value for a contending team that needs some energetic defense and forward depth on the bench. In this league’s inflated trade market, a late first-round pick with some protections on it might not be an outrageous return for him.

The Raptors are likely aware of the fact they can’t hold on to everyone as they remake the roster. While Ujiri (perhaps to a fault) has shown loyalty to players he has added and developed, Boucher lacks the athleticism of Achiuwa, the size of Koloko, and the age of both of them.