I, along with many other Raptors fans, saw that Chris Boucher sat waiting patiently for a good chunk of the offseason, awaiting an NBA team to come calling for his services. I was honestly surprised there wasn't a more aggressive pursuer trying to add Boucher, because even though he fell into coach Darko Rajakovic's 'doghouse,' if you will, as the 2024-25 campaign drew to a close, I thought Boucher had shown more than enough to suggest he can still impact a team, off the bench and as an occasional starter.
Now that the Raptors don't have that luxury, he is fully in the hands of the Celtics, and as I think about his decision to sign with Boston, I can't help but wonder how much this move could benefit Boucher's NBA career moving forward.
A Boucher breakout with the Celtics could mean big bucks next offseason
Sure, from a business perspective and trying to secure the most money, a modest $3.3 million deal for one year doesn't raise any eyebrows, but I believe the circumstances suggest more of a bet-on-yourself move (shout out Fred VanVleet) for Boucher. Boston has made it very clear to the NBA world that after losing Jayson Tatum to a gutting Achilles injury and facing a growing luxury tax, they were not shy about shedding dollars across the board, trading key pieces from their title run like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and likely letting Al Horford walk in free agency.
But in the process of all this, the Celtics look like an extremely watered-down version of the Eastern Conference powerhouse they once were. Just a year ago, their center depth included Porzingis, Horford, and Luke Kornet, and now all three are gone.
The new big-man depth in the fallout? Xavier Tillman, Neemias Queta, and Luka Garza. No disrespect at all, but I believe Chris Boucher should start over all three of those guys (maybe an argument could be made for Queta, I actually think he's extremely underrated) and be the starting center on opening night and beyond.
The simple way of looking at things is expecting a Jaylen Brown breakout or maybe Derrick White elevates to another level with the door wide open, but don't count out a gamer like Boucher. Going from barely used in the Raptors lineup to likely the starter for Boston, that will present a huge opportunity for Boucher to let his game shine — if he's up to the task and can deliver.
Who knows, man, we just saw ex-Raptor Norman Powell embark on a career-defining year at age 32, where despite the countless NBA miles already under his belt, sometimes you can still hit that peak stride as a vet. I think there's definitely a realistic world where Boucher can average around 14 or 15 points, maybe 5, 6, or 7 rebounds (if we're being generous), knocking down the three-ball consistently at a rate of 35% or higher.
And you tell me that wouldn't warrant a nice contract as an free agent once again next year. It's a risky move, but I think the stars are kind of aligning in Boucher's favor, like I said; now it's really up to him to prove his worth to those potential suitors with extra money to spend next summer.