One of the more intriguing additions to the Celtics roster this offseason came in August. Brad Stevens had been trending younger with his offseason moves, bringing aboard free agent signings like Luka Garza and Josh Minott back in July but that changed in August when 32-year-old Chris Boucher was brought into the fold. Boston cleared out a roster spot for the big man with the Georges Niang trade, bringing aboard the longtime Raptor reserve into a new-look frontcourt.
Through two preseason games, Boucher has been one of the bright spots on Boston’s roster and that was fully showcased on Friday night in Boston’s 107-105 loss to the Raptors. It was Boucher’s first chance to face off against his former teammates and he was seen embracing many before the matchup. On the court, Boucher solidified his spot in a developing rotation for Joe Mazzulla with another standout effort.
The 6-foot-9 forward was arguably Boston’s best player on both ends of the floor, tallying 19 points and nine rebounds in just 23 minutes while getting his second straight start at power forward. He also added two assists, a steal and a block in 23 minutes while posting a team-best plus 22 in the defeat.
“He cares about winning, he cares about people, he takes pride in his work ethic,” Joe Mazzulla told reporters in Toronto. “There’s few guys who take no plays off whether it’s at shootaround, or a game, and that guy is one of them. It’s impressive, 32 years old, to have the energy that he does on and off the court.”
Boucher settled for a one-year veteran’s minimum deal in Boston but was clearly after opportunity and success after a series of losing years in Toronto. The fit for the big man looks seamless so far in the wake of the team’s frontcourt losses. With Boston playing more uptempo offensively, Boucher has used his high motor to crash the offensive glass hard (three offensive rebounds) while letting it fly from the perimeter when given open looks. He’s also worked hard within the switching defensive scheme, providing extra efforts on perimeter closeouts while using his length to gobble up rebounds and produce deflections.
It’s unclear just how Joe Mazzulla plans to start the season with his starting group but he’s making the prospect of double big lineups with Boucher at power forward look viable with these preseason performances. The Celtics have the ability to go smaller with Boucher at center as well but playing him alongside another big looks like a helpful way for the team to shore up its size and defensive rebounding issues.
With three regulars sitting in Boston’s first two preseason games, we should get a better idea where Boucher sits in Joe Mazzulla’s hierarchy next week with a full roster available at TD Garden for this Celtics team. Ultimately, Boucher will be a potential steal as a late offseason addition if he keeps this type of production and tenacity when the real games begin.
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