NBA Notebook: Chris Boucher brings hard-playing reputation from Raptors to Celtics

Rookie Jamal Shead discovered his veteran teammate's secret when they both entered games playing for the Raptors' second unit. Christopher Boucher, the all-time Toronto Raptors leader in bench points, handed Shead a piece of Hershey chocolate as the games began. It's a routine that's evolved into M&Ms and more recently espresso, he and Celtics rookie Hugo González enjoying a shot before tip-off. For Boucher, it's all about energy. 

"Let that be your battery," Boucher told Shead as he handed him the candy. 

"Having that energy," Shead remembered, smiling. "(Boucher) always messed around and said that he had a battery in his back, and he would try to power me up. It was pretty cool." 

Boucher departed the Raptors this summer after becoming their link between the Kawhi Leonard championship season, his first in Toronto, and some of the best campaigns in franchise history that followed, into the rebuild that began in 2023-24 and continued into last year. Boucher's playing time diminished as the team moved on from Toronto icons Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam. A youth movement took over, and Boucher began focusing on helping an increasingly young cast before entering free agency this summer. There, Brad Stevens and the front office explained to him that they had already targeted him for several years. 

He didn't sign until Aug. 10, when he joined the Celtics on the league minimum immediately after the team traded Georges Niang to Utah in a salary dump move. The addition appeared to be perfect in the moment, a versatile, veteran wing who can play some center joining a team that also pivoted younger this offseason. Boucher can play some center, shoot, defend and mentor the team's prospects. He's already speaking like one of the team's leading voices through the preseason, he stood up for Hugo González during an on-court scuffle with PJ Hall in Memphis. 

"Kyle did that for me. Serge (Ibaka) would've done the same thing for me my first year," Boucher said. "Now that I'm in the position to do that and I'm doing the same thing. Obviously, every team got one of those guys that protects everybody, and if it has to be me, then it is what it is." 

Boucher felt better in some ways and worse in others as playing time diminished. He wanted to do all the right things and stay professional but admitted in his return to Toronto for the first time on Friday that it wears on you mentally. Boucher did not play in the final 23 games last season, and sat out nine others as the Raptors slid down the standings and leaned on younger front-court players. He now joins a team that will never sit him willingly. The Celtics searched for front-court depth following three veteran departures at the position over the summer, and settled on utilizing all four of their center options for significant minutes, including Boucher, Xavier Tillman Sr., Luka Garza and Neemias Queta, who Boucher started alongside in the preseason finale. 

He views himself as more of a wing at this stage of his career, Boucher explained in a conversation with CelticsBlog, though he's willing to play whatever role Joe Mazzulla decides for him. The head coach immediately invested in his new veteran by attending his baptism, a full-circle decision that alongside his return to ScotiaBank arena inspired Boucher to write about his arduous journey to becoming an NBA champion for the Players Tribune, he explained earlier this week. Among the hardships -- a move from his native Saint Lucia at five to Montreal, his parents splitting, dropping out of high school and becoming homeless during his teenage years. Boucher's basketball career began late, took him to New Mexico for junior college, Wyoming at Northwest and eventually Oregon, where he briefly became teammates with Payton Pritchard. 

Ja'Kobe Walter, a rookie last year with the Raptors, heard Boucher's story while they also shared significant time on the bench together. CB, as teammates called him, would point out plays, tips and tricks from the sideline sitting next to Walter and others. 

"I learned a lot," Walter said. "The way that he came up, I can tell by the way he plays what type of person he is. Him being in the G-League and him getting MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same year. He's just a worker. That means he had to grind for what he got, and that's why he is where he is right now." 

Former teammates, including Walter, texted congratulations upon hearing that he joined the Celtics. Some with the organization and in Boucher's camp still wonder why he didn't garner more interest at the trade deadline and this summer, a Toronto reporter noted, chalking it up to the NBA sometimes overlooking veteran talent. The one-year minimum rule designed to help players like Boucher get looks worked in this case. For an expensive, tax-paying team, Boucher received his $3.3 million veteran's salary while the Celtics only get charged $2.3 million, and the NBA actually refunds the difference. That's a $5.5 million difference on top of the $1 million in salary for a repeater-tax team in Boston's bracket. 

They've already benefited from Boucher's hustle and versatility, the big man averaging 10.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 0.8 blocks per game on 46.7% shooting (33.3% 3PT) through the preseason slate. While his former head coach Darko Rajakovic expected the move to Boston to give Boucher some new energy, his former teammates never saw him lack it. Everyone brings up how hard Boucher plays, and it shows in his efficiency. He's averaged less than 20 minutes per night over the last four years, but per-36 minutes, posted 21.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.0 block last season. He shot 36.3% from deep on 8.1 attempts per 36 and finished with a career-high 63.7% at the rim over the past two years. Making the most of your minutes could play best on a Celtics team that plans to substitute often, in waves, and play more aggressive defense alongside fatser-pace offense. 

Garrett Temple, a 39-year-old NBA veteran who's entering his 16th season, his third with Toronto, raved about his time with Boucher. And added high praise for his play. 

"Great guy. He's very passionate, quiet, to himself, but when he gets to know you, when he cares about you, he'll do a lot of things for you," Temple said. "He's the guy that you love to have on your team and hate to play against. I've always said he's the best offensive rebounder in the NBA. When he gets on the court, he produces in some form or fashion. He can shoot it. He brings energy, but his offensive rebounding is something that's really unmatched. He creates fouls because he crashes the boards. He can run the lane and obviously, he can shoot. People don't really give him enough credit for his ability to shoot the three like he can. So he's a really good basketball player. I'll always root for guys like him." 

"I was so happy for him coming here to this winning organization and I know he'll be able to help (Boston)."

Here's what else happened around the NBA this week...

Atlanta: Trae Young and the Hawks will not come to a contract extension agreement this preseason, setting up unrestricted free agency for the star guard and a prove-it season with Atlanta. That outcome came as no surprise as the Hawks assess how the team fares with Young now supplemented by Dyson Daniels, wings Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson, alongside incoming pick-and-roll partner Kristaps Porziņģis. Porziņģis capped his preseason with 23 points and 13 rebounds against the Rockets. He averaged 13.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG and shot 51.9% FG (30% 3PT) across three preseason appearances, closing 8-for-14 on Thursday. Atlanta opens on Oct. 22 against the Raptors. The Hawks and Porzingis have mutual interest in a contract extension ahead of his own free agency, but both sides feel comfortable waiting to see how a critical season plays out. Daniels and the team hope to agree to a rookie scale extension before the Monday deadline, with Jalen Suggs' five-year, $150 million deal with Orlando being used as a benchmark for him. 

Boston: Jaylen Brown (hamstring) is day-to-day after leaving the Celtics' preseason finale with left hamstring tightness. He took part in portions of practice on Friday, but could not go live and his status for Wednesday's season opener against the Sixers remains in question. Boston still closed out a win over the Raptors that night when Xavier Tillman Sr. sunk a game-winning floater before the buzzer to cap a resurgent preseason for him. The Celtics started Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Brown, Chris Boucher and Neemias Queta on Wednesday. Boston signed Ron Harper Jr. to a two-way contract after a strong training camp. He replaced RJ Luis Jr., acquired in the Georges Niang trade. Luis cleared waivers on Friday and signed an Exhibit 10 contract that'll allow him to play with Maine. The G-League team will also likely feature Wendell Moore Jr., Kendall Brown and Jalen Bridges, all waived from the training camp roster late this week. The Celtics open at home against the 76ers on Wednesday. Here's my take on the coaches vs. media game.

Dallas: Signed Jason Kidd to a long-term extension as head coach, ending significant uncertainty over his future with the Mavs following overtures by the Knicks to pull him away from Dallas and much of his staff departing. He slid Cooper Flagg over to point guard late this preseason in a role similar to how he advanced Giannis Antetokounmpo's early career with the Bucks by pushing him into more on-ball work early. Flagg averaged 11.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 2.8 APG on 39.5% shooting in the preseason. ESPN recounted his famous scrimmage where Flagg, Payton Pritchard and the US Select National Team pushed the 2024 Men's Olympics team during training camp for the Games in July. 

Detroit: Jaden Ivey (knee) underwent surgery and will miss at least four weeks to relieve discomfort in his right knee. The Pistons announced that the injury is unrelated to the broken fibula he suffered early last season. Ivey last played on Jan. 1. Ivey's absence leaves the Pistons limited on ball-handlers between Cade Cunningham and Caris LeVert. Malik Beasley remains in free agency awaiting NBA clearance following his gambling probe. The Celtics visit the Pistons on Oct. 26. Detroit opens at Chicago on Wednesday. 

Golden State: Former Warriors president Bob Myers left ESPN this week to take a Theo Epstein-like president role across Josh Harris' sports group that includes the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, along with Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Myers oversaw the formation of the Warriors dynasty between 2011-2023, stepping down in 2023 before the effective teardown of that core. He spent the last two seasons doing NBA studio TV coverage, and took a part-time job as Commanders special advisor in 2024. ESPN looked back at the Steph Curry and Steve Kerr era, which could potentially be entering its final season in 2025-26. Al Horford shot 36.4% from the field and 33.3% from three across four preseason games with Golden State, averaging 5.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG and 2.0 APG in 16.5 minutes per night. The Warriors open on Tuesday at the Lakers. 

Houston: Former Celtic JD Davison looks increasingly like part of the Rockets' early solution to sustain through the Fred VanVleet injury, adding 14 points, six assists and four steals to his preseason totals against Atlanta on Thursday. He averaged 10.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG and 3.5 APG on 48.4% FG (47.1% 3PT) across four games. Reed Sheppard will take on the bulk of that role into his second season after posting 29 points, six rebounds and six assists in the preseason finale. He shot 51.2% FG and 40.7% 3PT on 6.8 attempts per game in the preseason. The Rockets appear patient as they assess what they have in VanVleet's absence up against a hard cap. Houston opens at Oklahoma City on Tuesday. 

Lakers: Started Gabe Vincent alongside the four other probable players in that group, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton, in the preseason finale. Marcus Smart, who scored 14 points with four steals against the Kings after debuting with 0 points in Phoenix, could play in that Vincent role too, or LA can go bigger with Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt. JJ Redick said it'll come down to lineup balance and substitution patterns that show success. The Lakers are targeting a mid-November return for LeBron James (sciatica). 

Memphis: Jaren Jackson Jr. (toe) returned from offseason surgery and scored 17 points on 7-for-20 shooting before posting 16 in the preseason finale at Miami. Ty Jerome (calf) left that game and did not return, further damaging a back court already missing Ja Morant (ankle) and Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe). Jackson will carry an enormous offensive weight when the Grizzlies' season begins on Wednesday against the Pelicans. There's hope Morant, who participated in shootaround on Friday, can return early in the regular season. Zach Edey will miss significantly more time following his ankle surgery. 

Miami: Brian Windhorst considers an extension doubtful between Tyler Herro and the Heat as he recovers from his foot injury ahead of a contract season. His extension window closes on Oct. 20. Windhorst also only sees a short extension for Norman Powell, if anything. The Heat are lining up flexibility to become potential players in the 2027 free agency class. Herro said he expects to return sooner rather than later from his ailment as the Heat begin their season on Wednesday in Orlando. Miami lost all six preseason games. 

Milwaukee: Signed AJ Green to a four-year, $45 million extension after he emerged as a valuable floor spacer for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the team, shooting 42.7% from three last season and 42.1% through three years with Milwaukee. Green, 26, originally joined the Bucks on a two-way contract following four years at Northern Iowa and going undrafted in the 2022 class. Milwaukee waived Chris Livington's guaranteed minimum contract rather than parting ways with important non-guaranteed contributors Andre Jackson Jr. and Green. The Bucks still need to clear one standard roster spot ahead of opening night on Wednesday, when they face Khris Middleton and the Wizards. 

New Orleans: Kevon Looney will miss the first 2-3 weeks of the Pelicans' season after suffering a left knee injury late in the preseason. Looney joined New Orleans on a two-year, $16 million deal from the Warriors this summer, joining rookie standout Yves Missi and Zion Williamson in the front court, who will take on extra responsibility in his absence. The Pelicans open on Tuesday at Memphis. 

New York: Malcolm Brogdon announced his retirement from basketball ahead of roster cutdowns, a surprise to some with the Knicks who liked him after he joined the team on a training camp contract to compete for a roster spot. He averaged 4.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG and 2.0 APG on 29.4% shooting this preseason, now three seasons removed from his Sixth Man of the Year campaign with the Celtics. Boston traded him to Portland in the Jrue Holiday deal, and the Blazers later flipped him to Washington in the Deni Avdija trade. Injuries mounted for Brogdon, who took on a veteran leadership role more than a playing one with the Wizards. Brogdon, 32, won Rookie of the Year in 2017 with the Bucks and played nine seasons, averaging 15.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG and 4.7 APG while shooting 38.8% from deep for his career. Joe Mazzulla praised Brogdon's willingness to come off the bench and show professionalism throughout Mazzulla's first season as head coach in 2022-23, where Brogdon initially joined the team in a trade intending to play for Ime Udoka. Jordan Clarkson will take on more responsibility off the Knicks' bench alongside Miles McBride with Brogdon out of the picture. New York waived Garrison Mathews, signaling they'll keep Landry Shamet from the group that included Brogdon trying out for the team. The Knicks considered cost-cutting trades to keep Brodgon, Mathews and Shamet, but settled on one. New York opens on Wednesday against the Cavs before hosting the Celtics on Friday. 

Orlando: Jalen Suggs (leg) isn't certain to play on opening night as the team carefully progresses him through on-court work. Back and knee ailments derailed Suggs' 2024-25 season, where he played only 35 games and missed the entire playoff series against Boston. Anthony Black would likely start in Suggs' place if he has to miss the start of the season. The Magic host the Heat to open the season on Wednesday. 

Philadelphia: Joel Embiid returned ahead of opening night on Friday, scoring 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting with seven rebounds and eight assists in 19 minutes alongside three steals. It's unclear how much or how often he can play as he returns from offseason knee surgery, but he appears in line to be available for opening night against the Celtics on Wednesday. While Paul George (knee) is on track to return early in the regular season from his surgery, he's expected to miss the opener in Boston alongside Jared McCain (finger). Philadelphia started Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, rookie VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Adem Bona in the preseason finale. Quentin Grimes scored 22 points in 26 minutes in his preseason debut after signing the qualifying offer to stay with the Sixers earlier this month. 

Portland: Jrue Holiday, who scored 24 points on 8-for-13 shooting in the Blazers' preseason finale, looked ahead to his excitement about playing with a young Portland team and back at getting the job done in his short stint with Boston. Holiday said that everyone assumed he was miserable when Boston sent him to the Blazers in June for Anfernee Simons, but clarified that he was excited when he got the call. He'll likely start now with Scoot Henderson (hamstring) sidelined to begin the season. Holiday averaged 13.3 PPG, shot 50% from the field and 42.1% from three this preseason in four appearances entering his 17th NBA season. He expects to expand his ball-handling and offensive role again. 

“It was great. Short-lived, but we did what we were supposed to do,” Holiday said of Boston. “Obviously, things don’t always work out the way you want them to. But I’m blessed to still be playing this game.”

Sacramento: Signed Russell Westbrook to a non-guaranteed deal at the end of training camp, adding him to their back court alongside Dennis Schröder, Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine as part of a group that's hard to imagine working out. Sacramento also extended Keegan Murray, their young wing prospect, on a five-year, $140 million contract after he averaged 13.3 PPG and 5.6 RPG through three seasons while shooting 37.2% from three. Westbrook's deal likely includes a full guarantee trigger date later in the winter. The Kings open on Wednesday in Phoenix. 

San Antonio: Luke Kornet already looks like a perfect fit here, averaging 12.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.8 APG and 0.7 BPG on 79.3% shooting in the preseason. He also showed chemistry alongside Victor Wembanyama, but San Antonio went with Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and Wembanyama to close the preseason, with Dylan Harper likely to join them in place of Harrison Barnes. San Antonio opens on Wednesday at Dallas. 

Toronto: Jakob Poeltl exited the Raptors' preseason finale with the back pain that ailed him throughout the preseason, while rookie Collin Murray-Boyles missed another night with a right forearm strain. He also sat in Boston on Wednesday alongside Gradey Dick, while the Raptors' starters made their debut together including Poeltl in an eventual loss. Brandon Ingram shot 8-for-22 and finished the preseason averaging 18.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 3.0 APG while shooting 52.9% from three with his new team. Toronto's an intriguing swing team that could return to the playoffs and finish around where the Celtics do in the standings. Scottie Barnes, who shot 3-for-13 in Boston, remains a work in progress offensively along with most of this young group that thrived defensively late last season.