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Toronto Raptors Chris Boucher Shines In NBA Summer League

By Justin Phillips

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Jamel Artis #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors during a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Jamel Artis #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors during a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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After a leg injury ended his Oregon Basketball career early, Chris Boucher has slowly worked his way into the Toronto Raptors system and may be in line for a key role in 2019.

Kawhi Leonard may be the best player in the NBA right now. He helped lead the Toronto Raptors to the NBA Championship. Last week he left the Raptors and found a new home with the Los Angeles Clippers for the upcoming season, which leaves a big hole in the Toronto lineup that the team is looking to fill. They may not have far to search.

Chris Boucher led the Raptors in scoring during NBA Summer League action. The team lost the championship game to the Philadelphia 76ers, but Boucher out the team on his back with 24 points,7 rebounds, 4 assists, and a blocked shot in 29 minutes on the floor.

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He had similar numbers a game before against the New York Knicks after struggling last season with Toronto with just over five minutes per game and spending time between the NBA and the G League. While his true position is at Center, Toronto enters 2020 with Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka at the position.

Boucher was able to show off his athleticism and ability over the last month by finding different spots on the roster. Of the five, he played in four of them as Toronto is clearly looking to replace Kawhi Leonard. With the NBA Summer League complete, the team has several options after watching Boucher’s performance.

Stacking three deep at one position is not good for Boucher, but the team knows he has the talent. They could trade either Ibaka or Gasol, but more likely he will find a spot in another position and work his way into the rotation.

As we already know, the NBA Offseason is not that long. I expect Boucher will find his place and get his minutes playing for Toronto this season and could provide a few surprises along the way.

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