Boucher Intent On Playing For Playoff Team

Chris Boucher hasn’t seen any playoff action since the 2021/22 season. The Raptors reserve big man is determined to end that streak as he heads into unrestricted free agency, as he told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. If he’s not convinced Toronto is headed in that direction, Boucher will look elsewhere.

“It really all depends on them. If they want to go a different route, that’s up to them. When it comes to me and my fit with the team, I feel like I’m able to adjust to whatever it is,” he said. “Do I want to not be on the floor, not playing, and wait? I feel like I’ve been doing that for the last two years. We haven’t had winning seasons in those years, which explains it, but I can’t really afford not to be on a playoff team and trying to win, especially when it comes to my age.”

Boucher, 32, had a productive season off the bench in the final year of his three-year, $35.25MM contract. Boucher averaged 10.0 points — his second-highest total in seven years with Toronto — and 4.5 rebounds in 17.2 minutes per game while appearing in 50 regular season contests.

Singling out some of the top reserves in this year’s NBA Finals, Boucher told Scotto he feels he can make a similar impact for a contender.

“The way you see the game now and you watch the Pacers and Thunder, where a lot of people are coming off the bench like Obi Toppin, T.J. McConnell, and Alex Caruso, and they all bring something to the bench. I feel like I can do that,” he said. “If I have to start a game, I’m able to do that. I’ve played multiple times where I’ve played 25 minutes and up, and it’s not like I feel out of place. I’ve always been able to help. I’ve been with the Raptors all the time, and I feel like I’ve always been one of the best guys off the bench. I feel like I’m able to do that consistently and be one of the guys who can be counted on off the bench.”

Theoretically, the Raptors could make a jump next season, depending upon how Brandon Ingram fits in alongside franchise player Scottie Barnes. Ingram was acquired during the trade from the Pelicans but has yet to make his Toronto debut. He was limited to 18 games this season due to ankle issues.

Toronto holds Boucher’s Bird rights and there reportedly is mutual interest between the two parties in a reunion.

Wherever he winds up, Boucher believes versatility is one of his calling cards.

“I want to be able to help a team win. I think that I’m able to fill a lot of roles,” he said. “One thing that’s good about me is you can put me almost anywhere except point guard. I’ll figure out a way to be impactful and consistent. I think I’m at the point where I can be on a team to help them win, play meaningful minutes, have a consistent role, and not hoping or not knowing what’s coming next.”