5 important goals for the Toronto Raptors this offseason

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 31: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket agains the Toronto Raptors during the first half at State Farm Arena on January 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 28: Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors walks to the bench during the second half of Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on April 28, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

5 important goals for the Toronto Raptors this offseason: 5. Bring back Chris Boucher

Chris Boucher is the team’s most important free agent. He is also one of the team’s top big men and a crucial person to bring back for 2022-23.

Boucher saw the court for a full season last year, playing in 80 games. The big man averaged 9.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, marks made more impressive by the fact he only averaged slightly more than 21 minutes per game. He averaged a double-double per 36, as he’s done each of the past four years.

The two-time champion (once with the Golden State Warriors) is also an elite shot blocker. In 2020-21, he finished fifth in league with 1.9 blocks per game. He’s ranked in the top ten in each of the past two years in both block percentage and turnover percentage and was 15th in offensive rating this year.

If the Raptors are forced to choose between Boucher and Thaddeus Young, Boucher needs to be the choice. He’s more dynamic and springier, even if he can be a bit more inconsistent.

The cap hamstrings the Raptors, but they should be able to bring Boucher back on a contract that would pay him around $10 million. He seems like a candidate to get a two-year deal.

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