Raptors forward Chris Boucher, enjoying a stellar offensive year after re-signing with Toronto to a bargain two-year, $13.5MM deal during the offseason, still has room to grow on defense, according to Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star.
“It’s a tricky spot we’re in because (Boucher) looks great on (offense),” head coach Nick Nurse said this past week. “Even the blocked shots look great. But we’re giving up a lot of things at the other end. We’ve got to figure it out.” In 24.1 MPG, Boucher is averaging career-highs of 14.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 2.0 BPG this season, while connecting on a career-high 43.9% of his 3.8 three-point attempts.
There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:
- Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who could return to New York’s rotation as soon as tonight, had a metal plate inserted into his hand following surgery to address his broken right hand, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News tweets.
- While other teams in the East have made intriguing upgrades as they shore up their rosters for the playoffs (such as Milwaukee’s deal for P.J. Tucker and Miami’s trade for Trevor Ariza), Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes that the Sixers appear willing to selectively make improvements should it help their title odds. According to Pompey, the 76ers have been active in discussions with teams about being a third partner in three-team transactions, and the club may consider buyout market additions as well.
- Raptors head coach Nick Nurse has been fined $50K by the NBA after he threw his mask into the stands while protesting the officiating of a 115-112 Toronto loss to the Jazz on Friday, according to Steven Psihogios of Yahoo Sports. “It just didn’t seem like they were going to let us win tonight,” Nurse complained. “A lot of calls, man. Every trip, every possession was free throws.” The Jazz had 41 free throw opportunities, while the Raptors took just 14.
No Embiid, Curry, Simmons tonight. Hoping Knicks can steal a win. Let’s go Knicks …..
Sixers I believe will go after players getting bought out. But Ellington is a guy they should trade for Now.
Ellington shot 51% in the first 15 games, but just 34% in the last 14. And isn’t playing a whole lot of D. If they accept a 2nd and Poirier okay. He wouldn’t crack the playoff lineup tho, but can help down the stretch.
Fournier is an upgrade over Green yes. And that could get it done. But their bench is where they need help. A shooter who Ellington is plus from Philly. He would want to go all out and help. But if that can get Fournier I do it. I like Fournier for Knicks.
Fournier should be the move. A 1st, 2nd, Green, and Feguson.
Price point is palatable. Won’t have to give up more than what’s posted above.
If they can grab Bjelica as well that would give them some more balanced depth. Otherwise BO market it is.
Fournier isn’t even an upgrade over Green. Hard pass.
Green isn’t that good. Fournier is a scorer, and you need a guy that can get a bucket in the playoffs.
Greens been playing solid for us and his leadership is a valuable intangible. I’m not saying I wouldn’t move Green, just I would only do so in the right deal. Especially since trading him unless it nets us a wing, it opens up other holes which require yet another trade or buyout guy if one fits.
Both additions would bolster Philly’s line-up, AND GREEN would come off the bench, or be traded in the process if Fournier is in.
Fournier, Gordon and Vucevic for Wiseman, Wiggins and Oubre
You really want that as a GSW fan?
At least NURSE didn’t toss his Stethoscope !!
Knicks blew a chance on win tonight. Tough schedule next few wks. Need to get these opportunistic wins. Philly was down players. Randle missed a last sec shot. Next up is Nets. Good to see Mitch back. Hope they ease him in 17 mins tonight.
Good game, just like the last time we met. You guys are fun to watch and fight for 48 (53 in this case lol) minutes. Thibs has you guys playing hard and getting the max out of the talent. You guys seem to be in good shape moving forward.
Powell,Baynes, Stanley Johnson, a 2022 pick for Vucevic.