Raptors Coach Talks About Chris Boucher's Role in Toronto

The Toronto Raptors want Chris Boucher to stay ready as a veteran whose number could be called at any moment this season

The Toronto Raptors just want Chris Boucher to stay ready.

It’s been four games since the 6-foot-9 Canadian forward last saw the court for the Raptors and two weeks since he his last non-garbage time minutes in a game. Since then, he’s fallen not only out of the rotation but he’s twice failed to see the court even when Toronto has emptied its bench in blowout losses.

“He is a veteran player who has been around the league for a long time. He needs to stay ready, continue practicing, and staying in the best shape possible,” Raptors coach Darko Rajaković said of Boucher. “When his numbers are called, be ready to compete and play, help the team.”

It was clear early this season that Boucher’s role in Toronto would be different this year. He did not play on opening night and had been in and out of the rotation for the first few months of the year.

What’s clear is Boucher is not part of Toronto’s future.

By all accounts, the organization tried to trade him at the trade deadline but came up unsuccessful. That likely had to do with the $10.8 million he’s owed next season and the reluctance from contending teams to take on long-term salary.

But more than that, Boucher’s style of play seems to have fallen out of favor in Toronto too. He’s never been a particularly good passer and it’s clear that’s a skill the Raptors have prioritized this season as the organization moves toward a more egalitarian offense this year.

Boucher’s age is likely the other complicating factor for Toronto. Despite only being in his sixth NBA season, he's 31 years old and not someone the Raptors want to pair with their young core for the future.

Ultimately Boucher's tenure in Toronto is likely heading for an end at some point this summer. He’s been a valuable bench player for the Raptors for nearly five years now, but as the Raptors head into a new era, Boucher's skills will be better suited elsewhere.