The Oklahoma City Thunder vs the Indiana Pacers NBA Finals series has inspired a Toronto Raptors star ahead of his impending free agency.
Despite not being a superstar by any means, Alex Caruso played a crucial role in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 NBA Championship run.
Similar to Caruso, the Indiana Pacers had players like TJ McConnell and Obi Toppin uplifting the team by making an impact off the bench.
Speaking of which, one Toronto Raptors star who is set to be among the top 50 free agents this offseason wants a similar role.
Photo by Kevin Sousa/Getty ImagesChris Boucher feels he ‘can do’ what Alex Caruso and TJ McConnell did in 2025 NBA Finals
32-year-old Chris Boucher is set to hit free agency after spending seven seasons with the Raptors. Considering he’s an unrestricted free agent, Boucher controls his destiny in the NBA.
Keeping that in mind, in a recent interview with HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Boucher spoke about his future plans and what he’ll bring to the table.
“The way you see the game now and you watch the Pacers and Thunder, where a lot of people are coming off the bench like Obi Toppin, TJ McConnell, and Alex Caruso, and they all bring something to the bench,” Boucher said.
He added: “I feel like I can do that. If I have to start a game, I’m able to do that. I’ve played multiple times where I’ve played 25 minutes and up, and it’s not like I feel out of place. I’ve always been able to help.”
During his tenure with the Raptors, Boucher barely had any starting minutes, but he carved out a decent career in Toronto, averaging 8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game for the team.
‘I’m a low-management guy,’ says Chris Boucher
To win an NBA Championship in the modern era, it’s equally important to have a strong bench as an elite starting five.
As a versatile forward and center, Boucher fits that archetype. On top of that, the Raptors’ big man also claimed he’s a ‘low-management’ guy.
“I feel like any team would want a player like that who plays hard and brings energy, and you don’t have to call any plays for me because I find a way to score and be impactful,” Boucher continued.
“I feel I’m a low-management guy. I don’t really ask for much. You don’t have to do much to keep me happy. I just want to play,” he concluded.
All things considered, Boucher could fit well for a team that needs a versatile big man to make an NBA Championship run. Perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers could sign him to bolster their depth at the center position.