The summer is Slimm Duck season. After an impressive two weeks in Las Vegas Chris Boucher has been named to the NBA Summer League Second Team. The accolades continue to rack up for Boucher, who is also the reigning G League Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.
🌟 2019 @NBASummerLeague Second Team 🌟@chrisboucher @rui_8mura @hayes_jaxson @AnferneeSimons @lonniewalker_4 pic.twitter.com/7KLpWpoX02
— NBA (@NBA) July 15, 2019
After a slow start to the tournament Boucher led the Raptors back to a 2-3 record, averaging 23 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game in four outings. The centre from Montreal showed off his vaunted shot-blocking ability but also impressed leading transition offence and improving on his scoring efficiency.
It is a fitting end to a season in which Boucher’s star has risen drastically. Following the Warriors waiving Boucher last season, Toronto quickly snapped up the big man and his rapid development now makes him an intriguing prospect with tantalizing upside. Midway through the 2018-19 season the Raptors decided to sign Boucher to a full NBA deal and he played two games in the playoffs for the NBA champions. The guarantee date of Boucher’s contract is not until the start of the season and he will likely be in contention to earn regular minutes this year for the Raptors.
There were two other Canadians named in the Summer League team alongside Boucher. Vancouver born Brandon Clarke and Toronto native Nickeil Alexander-Walker were both selected to the Summer League First Team after incredibly impressive displays. Clarke also won tournament MVP honours and will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight in the championship game.
Summer League First Team: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kendrick Nunn, Mitchell Robinson, Jarrett Allen, Brandon Clarke
Summer League Second Team: Lonnie Walker IV, Anfernee Simons, Chris Boucher, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes
