The Boston Celtics must bench Chris Boucher because the 6’9 forward has unsurprisingly been disastrous. They need frontcourt help in the worst possible way, but he is not the answer. In the first four games, Boucher has scored six points. Not six points per game, but six total points. All six came in the season-opening loss to the 76ers. His lack of offensive production is just one of many reasons why Boucher needs to be glued to the bench.
The Celtics signed the 32-year-old away from the Raptors in the offseason. Boucher appeared in just 50 games last season, and Toronto had a negative-0.6 net rating when he was on the floor. Celtics fans are quickly finding out why Boucher struggled to get minutes on a rebuilding team.
Boucher’s time on the floor has been a nightmare, and head coach Joe Mazzulla is quickly adjusting. He played 40.4 total minutes in the first three games, but was limited to three minutes in the Celtics' first win of the season. It is a crucial lesson, as Boucher isn’t cut out for a nightly rotation role at this stage.
Chris Boucher is becoming unplayable for the Celtics
He averages 1.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 10.9 minutes per game over the first four contests. The 6’9 forward is shooting 20 percent from the field and has missed all six of his 3-point attempts. It is made worse when considering Boston has been outscored by 11 points in his 43.5 minutes of action. Not a great start for the veteran in green.
Fans should not be surprised. Boucher struggled to get consistent minute in his final season with the Raptors, despite playing there for seven years. Toronto knew better than any franchise what he is capable of, and they let him walk to the Celtics on a minimum contract in free agency.
Boucher is making an impact as a veteran mentor, but Boston needs more. Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Xavier Tillman Sr. are all battling for minutes in the frontcourt. It is not exactly prime Larry Bird or Bill Russell that Boucher needs to beat out for playing time, but he can’t do it.
It is difficult to nail any minimum signing, but this has quickly turned into a disaster. Celtics fans have learned immediately why the Raptors were ready to move on, and Boucher needs to be glued to the bench. He has clearly taken a step backward. There is just no way he helps a winning team playing at the level he has through four games.
There have been questionable shots, problematic defense, and several fouls. Four games are a small sample size, especially for someone who is getting used to his new teammates. Sadly, this isn't just limited to his time in Boston.
Chris Boucher is furthering a trend the Raptors have seen over multiple years. He is unfortunately washed. If Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla wants to win games, he must cut the 6’9 forward from their rotation and move on. That is the only answer unless Boucher can find another level. Sadly, that just isn’t happening from the 32-year-old. Fans know what to expect, and it is not what the team needs. That leaves Mazzulla with just one painful choice, and he must make it quickly.