Title: Chris Boucher paves way for next wave of Raptors 905 doubleheader crew in more ways than one
Date: November 21, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about three new entries into the Raptors-905 doubleheader club, made possible by a strong night from a club alumni, Chris Boucher..
At first blush, Chris Boucher strikes an unlikely figure as a leader. He has 41 NBA appearances under his belt over three seasons for a total of 311 minutes. He is quiet, speaking in low tones, usually with a pair of headphones nearby.
Leadership comes in many forms, though, and at 26, Boucher has been through a lot. As a professional alone, he’s suffered a torn ACL, the rehab process, being waived, winning a G League MVP, winning an NBA Championship and now, finally, playing regular NBA minutes. His path has not been direct or easy, and within that path there are examples for others.
That has been particularly noticeable with the team’s youngest players, those who can expect to see ample time with Raptors 905 this season. Boucher made the trek up and down the Gardiner Expressway ad nauseam last year, first as a two-way player and later, after his contract was converted, as an assignment player. He knows the NBA roster can change in an instant, necessitating a quick flight out just to sit on the bench in case something happens. He knows, too, there is no such thing as an opportunity without value.
