Veteran forward Chris Boucher delivered another standout night against his former club on Friday, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds in 23 minutes as the Boston Celtics faced the Toronto Raptors. It was Boucher’s second consecutive start at power forward and, according to head coach Joe Mazzulla, the 32-year-old’s relentless energy makes him a strong candidate to open the regular season in that role.
“He never takes a play off—whether it’s a shootaround or a game,” Mazzulla said after the win. “At 32, the energy he brings on and off the floor is impressive.”
Boucher joined Boston in August on a one-year veteran minimum deal after seven seasons in Toronto. With the Celtics having lost several frontcourt pieces from last year’s roster, his combination of rim protection, willingness to run and confidence from three-point range has filled an obvious need. While he is viewed as most effective in a two-big alignment, the coaching staff believes he can also log minutes at center in smaller lineups.
“I had a great conversation with the organization about my potential role, so signing here was an easy call,” Boucher told reporters in Toronto.
Gonzalez making early defensive impact
First-round pick Hugo Gonzalez has quickly impressed with his perimeter defense and could force his way into early minutes, especially with Jordan Walsh sidelined by an adductor strain. Although giving steady playing time to a 19-year-old rookie is not Mazzulla’s usual preference, observers say Gonzalez’s length and instincts may leave the staff little choice.
Addressing a report that the Spanish teenager was struggling with terminology because of limited English, Mazzulla pushed back. “He speaks multiple languages fluently,” the coach said. “Right now I only yell at him in Spanish, but he understands everything we’re doing.”
Simons debuts in green
Guard Anfernee Simons, acquired from Portland in the Jrue Holiday trade, made his first preseason appearance Friday. He picked up three quick fouls in the opening five minutes but settled down to finish with 18 points and three assists. “I was nervous at first,” Simons admitted. “In the second half I calmed down and played my game. Coach didn’t say anything about the fouls, but I knew I had to cool it.”
Scheierman learning on the fly
Second-year shooting guard Baylor Scheierman experienced mixed results. Two live-ball turnovers and three contested misses early in the fourth quarter prompted Mazzulla to pull him, then send him back in less than two minutes later. “That stretch was important for a young player to understand,” Mazzulla said. “You have to play hard, but you also need situational awareness.”
The Celtics continue preseason play next week as roster battles for opening-night minutes remain in full swing.
Source: Hoops Rumors
