Chris Boucher is officially on the move, agreeing to a one-year, \$3.3 million contract with the Boston Celtics. The 32-year-old forward, known for his high motor, shot-blocking, and ability to stretch the floor, is leaving the Toronto Raptors after spending the bulk of his professional career in Canada. This new chapter comes at a pivotal moment for both Boucher and the Celtics—one looking for revival, the other navigating uncertainty and transition.
Boucher’s path to the NBA has been anything but conventional. Undrafted in 2017 and plagued by injuries early in his career, he fought his way into a meaningful role in Toronto after a brief stint with Golden State. Known for his wiry frame and relentless hustle, he quickly became a fan favorite in Toronto, where he grew into a reliable bench piece and occasional starter. His journey from hardship in Saint Lucia and Montreal to NBA contributor is often cited as one of the more inspiring stories in recent league history.
Statistically, Boucher peaked during the 2020–21 season when he averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc. His performance that year showed flashes of a potential starting-caliber stretch big who could defend multiple positions and contribute offensively. However, in subsequent seasons, his production dipped, primarily due to a changing role, inconsistent minutes, and injuries that kept him from maintaining momentum.
Last season, Boucher’s role continued to diminish amid the Raptors’ shift toward youth development and roster experimentation. He averaged 10 points and 4.5 rebounds in just 50 appearances and was often sidelined during the final stretch of the season due to illness. With Toronto entering a rebuilding phase centered around younger players like Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick, the writing was on the wall that Boucher’s time in Canada was nearing its end. The franchise had to make difficult decisions, and Boucher’s veteran presence, while appreciated, was no longer a top priority.
Enter the Boston Celtics—a team that, despite a highly successful run over the past few seasons, now finds itself in transition. With Jayson Tatum set to miss significant time due to an Achilles injury suffered earlier this summer, the Celtics have had to reevaluate their approach to the upcoming season. Their moves during the offseason—including trading Georges Niang and adding multiple young prospects—signal a team attempting to stay competitive while maintaining financial flexibility.
Boucher’s signing fits neatly into this strategy. At just \$3.3 million for one year, the Celtics are taking a low-risk gamble on a veteran who can offer immediate depth, especially in a frontcourt rotation that has thinned significantly. With the departure of Niang and uncertainty around the health of several key players, Boston lacked experienced options at the forward spot. Boucher, while not a star, brings a versatile skill set that complements Boston’s system. His ability to space the floor, protect the rim, and run in transition aligns with what the Celtics like to do, particularly in small-ball lineups.
Though he’s never been a starter for long stretches, Boucher has consistently been productive when given minutes. His career average of 8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game reflects a player who makes the most of his time on the floor. More importantly, his per-36-minute numbers often suggest that he can impact games even in limited roles. His shooting from deep has been inconsistent at times, but he’s capable of knocking down threes at a respectable clip, which opens up driving lanes for Boston’s guards and provides a release valve in pick-and-pop situations.
What sets Boucher apart, however, is his energy. He plays hard on every possession, dives for loose balls, contests shots without hesitation, and provides a spark that can swing momentum. For a team like the Celtics, who may be battling through stretches without their All-NBA leader in Tatum, having a bench player who can change the tempo with effort alone is invaluable. Boucher brings that, along with a level of playoff hunger that can only come from spending years on a team that hovered around the middle of the Eastern Conference.
For Boucher, this deal represents more than just a new team. It’s a chance to prove that he still has something to offer in the league. At 32, he’s not old by NBA standards, but he is entering a critical point in his career where opportunities may become fewer. A strong showing in Boston could open doors for future contracts, whether with the Celtics or elsewhere. It also places him in a more structured environment, where coaching and organizational stability could help him rediscover the form that once made him a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
This move also speaks to the Celtics’ desire to remain competitive without mortgaging their long-term future. While they’ve made deep playoff runs in recent years, including multiple Eastern Conference Finals appearances, injuries and roster turnover have taken their toll. With Tatum sidelined and Al Horford aging, the Celtics needed to reinforce their frontcourt with players who could contribute immediately but didn’t require a long-term commitment. Boucher fits that bill perfectly—experienced enough to play meaningful minutes, affordable enough to be waived or traded if necessary, and motivated enough to leave it all on the floor.
It’s also worth noting that Boucher’s presence could benefit younger Celtics players. His work ethic, perseverance, and unorthodox rise to the NBA serve as a powerful example to younger teammates. Players like Sam Hauser, Jordan Walsh, and Neemias Queta could learn a lot from a teammate who had to grind for every opportunity and who never took his place in the league for granted. In many ways, Boucher represents the kind of culture player who adds value beyond the box score.
There’s also the possibility that this deal could turn into something bigger. If Boucher excels and Boston overachieves, the Celtics might look to re-sign him or explore a multi-year extension. On the flip side, if the team struggles or pivots into asset-accumulation mode midseason, Boucher could become a valuable trade chip for a contender needing frontcourt depth. His contract is team-friendly, and his skill set is highly adaptable, making him attractive across multiple roster constructions.
From a stylistic standpoint, Boucher’s role in Boston will likely depend on matchups and lineup experimentation. He could see minutes as a backup power forward, stretch five, or even as part of small-ball units where his speed and shot-blocking become critical. His fit alongside players like Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porziņģis offers intriguing possibilities, particularly in second units where he can space the floor and protect the rim.
For Celtics fans, the signing may not move the needle in a flashy way, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar acquisition that can pay real dividends. Every contending team needs role players who can contribute when stars are unavailable, and Boucher has proven that he can rise to the occasion. Whether it’s a spot start, a 15-minute energy burst, or late-game defense, he brings a level of dependability that will serve Boston well during what could be a challenging campaign.
From Boucher’s perspective, this may be his best shot at meaningful minutes on a team with playoff aspirations. While Boston’s ceiling is in question without Tatum, the East is wide open enough that a cohesive, tough, and defensively-minded squad could still make noise. If Boucher stays healthy and buys into his role, he may find himself part of another playoff run—a goal that has eluded him since Toronto’s 2019 championship, a season in which he played sparingly.
All in all, this deal seems like a win for both sides. The Celtics gain a proven, high-effort player who fills a pressing need at a bargain rate. Boucher gets a fresh start, a chance to compete for a postseason berth, and an opportunity to extend his career on his own terms. It’s a basketball decision that carries emotional weight as well—a veteran finding one more shot to prove he belongs, and a proud franchise trusting that experience and grit still matter.
Only time will tell how Boucher’s season in Boston unfolds. But one thing is certain: he will approach it with the same tenacity and heart that has defined his career. And for the Celtics, that might be exactly what they need.
