When he made the decision to drop out of high school at the age of 16, Chris Boucher would’ve never dreamed that one day he’d be playing in the National Basketball Association. But on his unlikely journey to the NBA, the Saint Lucian-born forward has managed to make the most out of his opportunities and natural talents; and has managed to overcome injuries and setbacks.
And today, Boucher has developed into a consistent contributor on a championship Toronto Raptors’ team.
Toronto Forward Chris Boucher Makes the Most of His Opportunities
Chris Boucher’s Roller Coaster Ride
Taking a look at his journey, it’s surely been quite a roller coaster ride for Boucher who moved to Montreal, Quebec when he was just five years old.
Growing up in a tough part of Montreal, Boucher dropped out of school at the age of 16. Instead, he worked as a cook and dishwasher. He found a passion for the sport of basketball and would play pick up games in his free time. At 19, he was offered a spot to play in an organized basketball tournament, which he accepted. In the tournament finale, Boucher scored 44 points.
His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as Boucher was subsequently offered a spot on the Amateur Athletic Union’s Alma Academy with the goal of furthering his basketball skills and earning a high school diploma.
In a game against Blair Academy, Boucher scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. The performance caught the attention of some NCAA Division I coaches.
Boucher would go on to play Division 1 basketball and was enjoying success when in March of 2017 an opposing player fell awkwardly on his leg – resulting in a torn ACL.
It was the worst time for this to happen for the then Oregon Duck senior. Given his injury, Boucher was unable to work out for any NBA teams; and as a result, he would go undrafted.
Highs and Lows with the Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors decided to take a chance with Boucher as they signed him to a two-way contract. He spent most of the season playing for Golden State‘s G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. But on March 14, 2018 — a little more than one year after he tore his ACL — Boucher played his first NBA game with the Warriors.
During his short time with the organization, Boucher would experience extreme highs and lows. Despite not being eligible to play in the playoffs, Boucher would go on to be part of the team’s championship win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the spring of 2018. However, about two weeks after the Warriors were crowned as NBA champs, the organization decided to waive the young Canadian.
New Beginnings with the Toronto Raptors
In July of 2018, Boucher would sign with the Toronto Raptors as a free agent on a two-way contract. While he did not make the team out of training camp, Boucher would dominate the G-League. Eventually, he found his way back with the Raptors. Although his minutes with the Raptors were limited, Boucher kept a positive attitude and made the most of his opportunities.
Boucher became known as that player who was willing to do whatever he could to help the team which meant playing with high energy and a tough defensive mindset. Boucher’s positive can-do-attitude won him over with Raptors’ head coach Nick Nurse and the entire organization – and in February of 2019, the team locked him up to a standard NBA contract.
Boucher would go on to be part of another championship run. This time with the Toronto Raptors – and this time, he was eligible to play in the playoffs.
There’s no doubt that run to the championship with the Raptors was a great learning experience for the Montreal native.
An Opportunity to Showcase Talents
This year, with injuries to Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, Chris Boucher has seen greater playing time – and greater opportunities to showcase his talents. One such game came in November 2019 at the Staples Center when Ibaka was out with a sprained ankle.
“When I saw Serge get hurt, it was the time for me to step up. Coach had a lot of confidence in us so that also helps. I just wanted to help the team win,” Boucher said after helping his team to a 113-104 win over the Lakers.
Boucher talked about the importance of learning from his time on the bench and being around proven NBA stars; and applying those lessons on the court when the opportunity arises.
“When you’re with the team all the time, you’re always going to grow. And that’s what helped me. Being around Serge (Ibaka), Kyle (Lowry), Marc (Gasol), Pascal (Siakam) – every game you learn something,” he pointed out to reporters in the visitor’s locker room at the Staples Center.
“For me, it’s been a long time waiting. It was a great opportunity to show what I’m capable of doing and just help my team as much as I can,” he continued. “Playing with energy is always something that I did. Protecting the rim and running the floor. When you know your role a lot of stuff comes easier.”
The 6’9″ power forward from Montreal recorded 15 points, two rebounds, one assist, two steals and three blocks against the LeBron James led Lakers.
“I’m probably going to remember this forever,” Boucher noted. “When you get opportunities like that you have to take it. You’re playing against the best. I never played minutes like that. For me to be at Staples center playing against LeBron, that’s an amazing feeling. Definitely a dream come true.”
Chris Boucher Bringing Energy, Hustle, and Effort
Chris Boucher would continue to step up his game as he recorded a career-high of 21 points to help the Raptors score an improbable comeback victory against the Dallas Mavericks after being stuck 30 points on December 21st. After the game, the Raptors’ head coach had nothing but praise about Boucher’s energy and effort.
“He’s at the rim blocking shots, grabbing big rebounds, he’s quick and has length and gets those offensive tip-ins,” said Nurse about Boucher.
Then just three days later, Boucher made 7 of 10 from the field and 7 of 8 from the line to set another personal best with 24 points against Boston. Also, in the loss against the Celtics, Boucher chipped in with six rebounds and two blocks.
Looking to Take that Next Step
Given that he didn’t start playing organized basketball until he was 19, no one would have dreamed that he would be playing today in the NBA. But with what he’s been able to accomplish so far this season, Boucher is proving that he’s more than capable of holding his own.
As the Raptors prepare to get back on the floor following the All-Star break, Boucher will be an important asset. His energy, hustle, and knack for protecting the rim will fuel the team if they hope to make another long run in the playoffs.
And playing for an organization that has helped players like Siakam and Fred VanVleet reach their star potential, it would be interesting to see just how much further the 27-year-old Canadian can progress in the months, and years ahead, with the Raptors.
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