6 big men the Rockets can still sign in free agency

4. Chris Boucher

At 6-foot-9 and 206 pounds, Chris Boucher gives up a bit of size to opposing bigs. But in spite of that, Boucher is a stellar defender, as he averaged1.8 defensive win shares during the 2019-20 season, which was 10th-best on the Toronto Raptors.

Although that may not sound like much to write home about, Boucher played at least 300 minutes less than each of the nine Raptors players who finished ahead of him in that category. In addition, Boucher averaged 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes, which was a team-high on a Raptors team that finished first with the fewest points allowed and second in defensive efficiency.

Boucher averaged 18.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per 36 minutes, in addition to a player efficiency rating of 20.7 and a true shooting percentage of 58.7 percent, which was a career-best. Boucher had even better numbers during the Raptors 2018-19 championship season, as he averaged 20.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.3 blocks (yes, you’re reading that correctly) per 36 minutes in 2018-19, in addition to a player efficiency rating of 22.2.

Boucher’s 7-foot-4 wingspan certainly plays to his advantage, which makes it no surprise that he’s a defensive force. Boucher posted a defensive field goal percentage of 44.1 percent during this past season and 42.1 percent in 2018-19.

Boucher dominated the G-League in 2018-19, as he posted averages of 27.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.1 blocks, and 1.3 steals, and essentially took home every possible award, as listed below:

• All-Defensive Team
• All G-League Team
• Defensive Player of the Year
• League MVP

Boucher would be a solid addition for the Houston Rockets and his defensive strengths would be an immense boost to the Rockets’ frontline. Boucher was extended a qualifying offer of roughly $2 million by the Raptors, making him a restricted free agent and giving them the ability to match any offers, which could make it difficult for the Rockets.

Next: No. 3