[Smith] I like Chris. He’s a good NBA player. His skills have diminished a bit, the team’s circumstances have greatly changed and the team’s coaching — with the full blessing of management — does not feel he helps the team right now. They want to look at other players.
by EarthWarping
12 Comments
I understand the sentiment, but what quality of a look are you getting at players when they’re never in a competitive game because the team seriously is lacking the energy and hustle right now that Boucher brings on a nightly basis?
Reduce his minutes? Sure. Give him 10 DNPs in a month? Come on now.
Chris Boucher doesn’t have a future on this team, he belongs on another team like Pascal, like Fred, like OG, like Nick. He is not a Darko type player, you can tell the type of system and player type Darko wants, it’s jut it’s Year 1 and there’s a lot of change all at once, it’s not Darko, or Boucher’s fault. Masai could have a forced a trade and sent him elsewhere before the deadline ended but a trade can be done in the summer time too, maybe to a team of Boucher’s choice or preference when there’s more time to think and execute, out of respect for him. There’s a lot variables at the moment, just gotta stick through it.
Lol that’s kinda bullshit considering it’s not like we’re doing well at all right now. If you’re not playing him cuz you wanna give younger guys a shot or cuz you wanna tank, say that then. But don’t call it a skill issue
I honestly was hoping this was about Kelly. I knew it was not sadly.
Hmm, you mean he’s not apart of the teams future plans anymore 🤔
what they’re saying is that they know exactly the kind of player Boucher is, especially now that he’s 31 and has been with the team for years. they know what he brings to the table, and what his limitations are. they have the sample size to know exactly who he is. none of this means he’s not a likeable guy, a Canadian, and has our hearts as the last man standing from the championship era.
at this point in his career he’s a serviceable deep bench guy (7-10th guy) that can give you 8-15 decent minutes if he’s locked in, and it can also be a disasterclass of 4-10 minutes if he’s not.
he has stretches where he suddenly has low BBIQ and becomes the chucking treboucher. there are times where he will close out on a shooter and then just watch the ball, rather than crashing for a rebound. if he gets in a rhythm, knocks down some shots, he gets energized and seems to start doing all the little things that make us say “do this more often chris!!!” last night, case in point.
it makes sense with all the youth on the roster that the franchise wants to see what those guys bring at different times, and in different scenarios. who makes smart plays, who’s reading defenses and schemes, and who might we worth keeping around in the long run. they’re also showcasing some guys for potential trades, and other teams want to see players on the court to evaluate them.
at the end of the day, the team is looking for pieces to fit around BBQ for the next 4-5 years, and unfortunately that’s not going to be boucher.
Doug Smith is bored.
If “hustle” is your best skill that you can provide, you’re just not a talented player. I am so glad Darko has done this with Boucher because he’s finally playing within his skill set. Boucher needed this wake up call. How many times has he jacked up a quick 3 early in the shot clock just because he’s wide open? What Boucher needs to realize is just because you’re wide open doesn’t mean it’s a shot you have to take. He will shoot a 3 no matter what like he’s Kevin Durant
He’s had his time here, and he decided to play selfishly and make constant boneheaded moves. At some point, coach has to say enough is enough.
Nurse gave Boucher way too long of a leash imo, and I am glad Darko is just not having any of it. It is one of his biggest coaching wins this season is how he has used Boucher.
Yet, he shows more energy and hustle. You need players like him to show up the lazy ones.
Everyone likes and respects Chris. But the reality is he’s not in the teams plans long term. He’s a 9th / 10th hustle man on a decent team.
However, given the injuries we’ve had and the lack of energy we have struggled with all year. There is no reason for him to be collecting DNPs. Showcasing how to stay ready and engaged to these young guys is important
Sets a bad precedence IMO… we’ve come a long way since the “next man up” mentality we used to have. We see lots of perennial basement dwelling teams prioritize potential over effort and productivity. Just dont want to see us become the next Pistons
Darko made it fairly clear he looks at Chris at a veteran player that isn’t bringing what they want out of a veteran. Kelly is older than Boucher, and Boucher absolutely has things he brings to the table, but he makes decisions or has lapses that they’d tolerate from someone younger.