The Toronto Raptors simply want Chris Boucher to stay ready. It’s been four games since the 6-foot-9 Canadian forward last appeared on the court for the Raptors, and two weeks since his last non-garbage time minutes in a game. Since then, he has dropped not just out of the rotation, but he has also failed to appear on the court twice, even when Toronto has emptied its bench in blowout losses. “He is an experienced player who has been in the league for a long time. Raptors coach Darko Rajaković emphasized the importance of Boucher’s continued preparation, practice, and physical fitness.
“When his numbers are called, be ready to compete and play, help the team.”
Early in the season, it was evident that Boucher’s role in Toronto would change. He did not play on opening night and was in and out of the rotation over the first several months of the season. It’s evident that Boucher is not a part of Toronto’s future.
By all accounts, the organization attempted to trade him at the trade deadline but was unsuccessful. That was most likely due to the $10.8 million he owed next season and contending teams’ reluctance to take on long-term money. Furthermore, Boucher’s playing style appears to have lost favour in Toronto. He’s never been a particularly strong passer, and it’s evident that the Raptors have prioritized that talent this season as the team transitions to a more egalitarian offence.
Boucher’s age is most likely the other difficult aspect for Toronto. Despite only being in his sixth NBA season, he is 31 years old and does not fit with the Raptors’ young core for the future.
Boucher’s stint in Toronto is expected to expire this summer. He’s been a valuable bench player for the Raptors for nearly five years, but as the team enters a new era, Boucher’s skills will be better used elsewhere.
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