Although the New York Knicks were active during the trade window, their roster remains unfinished. The team still has one open roster spot, giving the front office flexibility to explore the buyout market for a player who could step in as a dependable role contributor.
DailyKnicks writer Mark Nilon recently suggested that a 6 foot 8 former Golden State Warriors forward and two time NBA champion could be a logical option.
“Chris Boucher could add much-needed frontcourt depth for Knicks,” Nilon wrote Monday. “Before injuries started to take their toll on New York’s guard rotation, it was their big man depth that took center stage in the positional needs department.”
“With Karl-Anthony Towns’ up-and-down play throughout the season, coupled with Mitchell Robinson’s well-documented health issues throughout his career, this shouldn’t surprise anyone.”
Boucher played limited roles during Golden State’s 2018 title run and Toronto’s 2019 championship season. However, the former Oregon standout began carving out a reputation in his third year as a long, athletic forward capable of pushing the ball in transition, finishing through contact at the rim, and defending multiple positions.
During that third season with the Raptors, Boucher averaged 6.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from three point range.
His most productive stretch in Toronto came during the 2020 to 21 season. Now 33 years old, Boucher posted 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 51.4 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Boucher signed with the Boston Celtics last August but was dealt to the Utah Jazz on the final day of the trade period. After Utah waived him, the Saint Lucia native officially entered the buyout market.
With his length and positional versatility, Boucher could be an appealing candidate for New York’s remaining roster vacancy. It remains to be seen whether the Knicks will pursue the experienced veteran as they look to strengthen their frontcourt for the remainder of the season.