NBA 6MOY Power Rankings, No. 3: Chris Boucher – 13.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 54% FG, 44% 3FG
The super lanky 7-footer from the University of Oregon always had the length and athleticism that made front offices salivate over his potential. But Chris Boucher’s injury history, along with his somewhat awkward shot and raw talent, made him a high risk-high reward type prospect. Well, it looks like the Toronto Raptors might finally be reaping the rewards as Boucher is really coming into his own in only his fourth year.
The backup center is currently averaging over 13 points and six rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 44 percent from 3. He’s earned more time on the floor in an expanded role, while at the same time maintaining his efficient scoring levels from the previous season. Last season, Boucher took five shots a game and two 3’s a game – this season, he’s taking nine shots and four 3’s a game.
Boucher has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a disappointing early campaign for the Tampa Bay Raptors. Boucher has five double-doubles on the year, including a 22-point, seven-block game against the San Antonio Spurs and a 29-point, 10-rebound game recently against the Hawks.
Nick Nurse has used Boucher as the first sub off the bench and has tried to pair the center as much as possible with Fred VanVleet. Boucher and VanVleet are +13.3 points per 100 possessions in the 290 minutes they’ve shared the floor together. Boucher provides the Raptors with a good pick-and-pop (or roll) option with his length and shooting, which goes well pairing with a great ballhandler and scorer like VanVleet.
Boucher also shows the ability to score inside 10 feet using his length and wingspan, almost like a discount version of Kevin Durant. Boucher also oozes defensive potential with his shot-blocking abilities – he’s had five games with more than two blocks thus far this season.
With Toronto possibly in a rebuilding phase in the next year or two, Boucher may become a key centerpiece for the Raptors going forward. If he continues this trend of improvement, Boucher might morph into a perennial All-Star in the next two years.