The Boston Celtics took a low-risk swing this offseason, signing veteran big man Chris Boucher to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. On paper, it was a sensible depth move-Boucher brought championship experience, shot-blocking instincts, and some stretch potential from his years in Toronto.
But in practice? The fit never materialized.
Fast forward to mid-December, and Boucher hasn’t seen the floor since November 23. It’s looking more and more like his time in Boston is already over.
Let’s be clear: the Celtics didn’t bring Boucher in to be a game-changer. He was meant to be a reliable backup, someone who could eat minutes, protect the rim, and maybe space the floor a bit.
But through eight appearances, he averaged just 2.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 11.4 minutes per game. His shooting?
A rough 31.8 percent from the field, which is tough to overcome when your primary role is supposed to be efficiency in limited minutes. The advanced numbers back it up-Boucher has graded out as a replacement-level player, and head coach Joe Mazzulla wasted little time pulling him from the rotation.
Since then, it’s been nine straight DNPs for Boucher, and just two appearances in the last 18 games. That’s not just a cold streak-it’s a clear sign he’s no longer part of the plan.
And with the Celtics sitting at 6-3 over their last nine, there’s no real incentive to shake things up just to give him another shot. The defensive lapses early in the year didn’t help his case, and in a system that demands versatility and discipline, Boucher’s inconsistencies stood out for the wrong reasons.
This all comes at a pivotal moment for Boston. They’re navigating the season without Jayson Tatum, yet still managing to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.
That raises the stakes ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Do they lean into the idea of this being a transition year and try to duck under the luxury tax?
Or do they double down, make a move for a reliable big, and give themselves a real shot in a conference that’s wide open?
Either way, Boucher doesn’t factor into the equation. The Celtics are currently $4 million over the first apron and $12 million above the luxury tax line.
If they decide to make a move-whether it’s a cost-cutting deal involving someone like Anfernee Simons or a more aggressive push to bolster the frontcourt-Boucher is a logical piece to move. He’s not playing, he’s not developing, and there’s no realistic path back into the rotation barring a string of injuries or blowout minutes.
It’s a tough end to what looked like a promising opportunity. Boucher had already started to fall out of favor in Toronto last season, so this drop-off isn’t entirely out of nowhere. The Celtics hoped the flashes of improved three-point shooting would translate, but the early returns weren’t just underwhelming-they were unplayable.
With the trade deadline looming, expect Boston to explore ways to upgrade at center. Their big man group underwent a complete overhaul this season-Kristaps Porziņģis came in via trade, while Al Horford and Luke Kornet moved on. That opened the door for Neemias Queta to go from deep bench to starter, and while he’s had moments, the Celtics still need more depth and reliability up front.
Boucher, unfortunately, isn’t that answer. His time in green may already be done, and if so, his next NBA minutes will likely come in a different jersey.