Toronto Raptors: The sudden emergence of Chris Boucher
Chris Boucher’s defense
Nick Nurse is known for using some of if not the zaniest defensively strategies of any current NBA coach. The schoolyard box-and-one zone is Nurse’s most known example.
Without Ibaka and Gasol, Nurse has now leaned on Boucher’s versatility as a defender more than ever, making him an essential piece in Nurse’s lineups in the early part of this season.
The Raptors’ best lineup statistically has included Boucher, the five-man group of Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Norman Powell, OG Anunoby and Boucher has been an incomparable plus 71.4 in efficiency differential (in only 35 possessions) according to Cleaning the Glass.
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Boucher is 6’9” tall with an absurd 7’3” wingspan, so his wingspan allows him to be one of the best 3-point contesters due to his inhuman arm length. On multiple occasions he’s has blocked 3-point shooters.
As mentioned, Boucher is averaging three blocks per game in the past five games and that has been significant for the Raptors defense. Baynes and Len are what you would call “shot alters” making shots difficult around the ring, but not blocking them.
Boucher is a straight-up rim protector; Boucher is third in blocks per game of players who have played 10 or more games and Boucher has had two games where he has had six or more blocks. His awareness and speed allow him to block shots that seemed like inevitable buckets.
It all comes back to the word versatility, Boucher can not only defend in the post, and switching in the pick and roll but he can also spirit out to the corner and contest the shooter.
Speaking of versatility, Boucher has been a unique offensive piece for Nick Nurse and the Raptors.