Canadian big man Chris Boucher didn't see the floor in the Toronto Raptors' season-opening win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, which may have come as a shock to fans.
New head coach Darko Rajakovic played 10 different players in Wednesday's win and Boucher — who averaged 20 minutes and 9.4 points per game in 2022-23 — was the odd man out.
But Rajakovic wants the 30-year-old centre to stay ready.
"Chris is a very important player for us, there is no doubt about that," Rajakovic said after the game. "At this point we decided to go with a couple different players there. They're still learning, I'm still learning and you will be seeing Chris over the course of the year for sure."
Rajakovic also said that throughout the whole process, Boucher has been the "ultimate professional."
With Boucher absent from the rotation, Jakob Poeltl and Precious Achiuwa shared the centre responsibilities for the Raptors against the Timberwolves.
Rookie Gradey Dick also checked into the game ahead of Boucher, but played just two minutes in his first NBA game.
Boucher's next chance to make his season debut will come on Friday when the Raptors head to Chicago to take on the Bulls.
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