Versatile Swingman Signs with the Celtics
During the 2024–25 NBA season, Chris Boucher wrapped up his sixth full year with the Toronto Raptors, serving as a veteran on a young, rebuilding roster. The Raptors entered the season focused on player development and long-term growth, rather than playoff contention. With a core featuring Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, and other rising prospects, Toronto leaned on experienced role players like Boucher to provide leadership and reliable minutes off the bench. While his role wasn’t as prominent as in previous seasons, Boucher remained productive in his given minutes. With the season officially over and the Raptors having missed the postseason entirely, it was reported that Boucher signed with the Celtics on a one-year, $3.3 million deal.
Boucher’s journey to the NBA has been one of resilience and hard work. After going undrafted in 2017, he signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors but saw limited playing time. The following season, he joined the Toronto Raptors, where he gradually worked his way into the rotation. Known for his shot-blocking instincts, hustle, and ability to stretch the floor as a forward-center hybrid, Boucher became a staple of Toronto’s second unit and was part of the franchise during their 2019 NBA Championship run.
In 50 games during the 2024–25 season, Boucher averaged 6.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks in 14.7 minutes per game. He shot 48.4 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from three-point range, continuing to show flashes of the two-way impact that once made him a key piece in Darko’s rotation. He is a Swiss army knife role player who isn't particularly good at one thing but brings a bit of everything when needed. One of his best performances came on January 22nd against the Chicago Bulls, where he scored 17 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and blocked two shots in just 21 minutes of action. Now 32 years old, Boucher enters free agency looking to bring his veteran experience, high motor, and defensive versatility to a new team. Whether he joins a contender needing frontcourt depth or signs with another rebuilding squad, it will be interesting to see what role he carves out with the Celtics.
