Chris Boucher’s journey to the NBA is nothing short of inspiring. From humble beginnings in Saint Lucia to becoming a key player for the Toronto Raptors, his story is a testament to perseverance and hard work. Known for his shot-blocking prowess and versatility on the court, Boucher has carved out a successful career in professional basketball.
This article explores his personal life, early career, professional achievements, financial details, and more.
Chris Boucher’s Biography
| Full Name | Christopher Boucher |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 11, 1993 |
| Age | 32 years old |
| Place of Birth | Castries, Saint Lucia |
| Nationality | Canadian/Saint Lucian |
| Height | 6’9″ (206 cm) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Education | University of Oregon |
| Turned Pro | 2017 |
| Net Worth | $50.7 million |
| Salary | $11.75 million |
| Career Earnings | $50.7 million |
| Instagram Profile | @chrisboucher |
| Twitter Profile | @SlimmDuck |
Early Career
Chris Boucher’s early career is a story of resilience and determination. Born on January 11, 1993, in Castries, Saint Lucia, he moved to Montreal, Canada, with his mother at the age of five. Growing up in the tough neighborhoods of Montréal-Nord, Boucher faced significant challenges, including poverty and instability.
His parents separated when he was young, and by the age of 16, he had dropped out of high school and found himself homeless. During this time, he worked as a cook and dishwasher to make ends meet, often sleeping on city buses during the harsh Canadian winters. Despite these struggles, basketball became a beacon of hope for him.
Boucher’s basketball journey began relatively late. In 2012, at the age of 19, he was invited to play in a local tournament where he scored an impressive 44 points in the final game, catching the attention of coaches. This performance earned him an opportunity to join Alma Academy in Quebec.
Alma Academy was established to provide inner-city youth with a structured environment focused on academics and basketball. For Boucher, it was a turning point. The academy gave him stability for the first time in his life and allowed him to focus on developing his game while earning his high school diploma.
At Alma Academy, Boucher quickly stood out due to his height and natural shot-blocking ability. He led the team to a remarkable 48-5 record and won both the NPSAA and Canadian Prep championships.
His performances attracted interest from U.S. junior colleges, leading him to New Mexico Junior College for his freshman year. There, he averaged 11.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
Professional Career
Chris Boucher’s professional career is a remarkable story of resilience and growth. After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft due to a torn ACL suffered during his senior year at the University of Oregon, Boucher faced an uphill battle to prove himself in the league.
Despite these challenges, he signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors, becoming one of the first players under the NBA’s new two-way contract policy. His time with the Warriors was limited but meaningful; he made his NBA debut on March 14, 2018, playing one minute against the Los Angeles Lakers and recording one rebound and a three-point attempt.
Although he did not play in the playoffs due to his contract limitations, Boucher was part of the Warriors’ roster that won the 2018 NBA Championship. However, his tenure with Golden State ended when he was waived in June 2018.
Boucher’s career took a significant turn when he joined the Toronto Raptors later in July 2018. Initially signed to a two-way contract, he split his time between the Raptors and their G-League affiliate, Raptors 905.
During the 2018–19 G-League season, Boucher delivered extraordinary performances, averaging 27.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting over 51% from the field. His efforts earned him both the G-League MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards—a rare feat that showcased his potential as a dominant player.
These achievements also made him the first international player to win G-League MVP honors. In February 2019, Boucher was rewarded with a standard NBA contract by the Raptors.
Boucher’s contributions became vital during Toronto’s historic championship run in 2019. The Raptors defeated his former team, Golden State Warriors, in the Finals, making Boucher the first Canadian player to win an NBA title with Canada’s only franchise. While his role was primarily as a bench player at this stage of his career, his energy and defensive skills were invaluable.
Chris Boucher’s Net Worth Details
Chris Boucher’s net worth is estimated to be $50.7 million as of 2025.
Contract
Chris Boucher is currently playing under a three-year contract with the Toronto Raptors, which he signed in June 2022. The deal is worth $35.25 million and is fully guaranteed, reflecting the Raptors’ confidence in his abilities as a versatile player.
The contract includes an average annual salary of $11.75 million, making him one of the key contributors on the team. This extension not only solidified his place in Toronto’s roster but also rewarded his consistent performances and growth over the years. As of the 2024–25 NBA season, Boucher remains a vital piece of the Raptors’ lineup, providing energy, defense, and scoring off the bench.
Salary
For the 2024–25 NBA season, Chris Boucher is earning a base salary of $10,810,000 as part of his three-year, $35.25 million contract with the Toronto Raptors. This salary reflects his consistent contributions to the team and accounts for approximately 7.69% of the league’s salary cap. The contract is fully guaranteed, ensuring financial security for Boucher while solidifying his role as a key player on the Raptors’ roster.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary Earned | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Golden State Warriors | $77,250 | Two-way contract |
| 2018–19 | Toronto Raptors | $457,418 | Two-way contract |
| 2019–20 | Toronto Raptors | $1,588,231 | Standard NBA contract |
| 2020–21 | Toronto Raptors | $6,500,000 | First major contract |
| 2021–22 | Toronto Raptors | $7,020,000 | Final year of two-year deal |
| 2022–23 | Toronto Raptors | $12,690,000 | First year of current contract |
| 2023–24 | Toronto Raptors | $11,750,000 | Second year of current contract |
| 2024–25 | Toronto Raptors | $10,810,000 | Third year of current contract |
Endorsements
Chris Boucher has leveraged his NBA success to secure notable endorsement deals, with one of the most prominent being his partnership with Slim Jim. As a brand ambassador for the popular protein-packed snack, Boucher—nicknamed “Slim Duck”—has featured in advertising campaigns, social media promotions, and in-store displays across Canada.
The collaboration highlights his natural affinity for the product, as he genuinely enjoys Slim Jim snacks. This partnership has allowed Slim Jim’s parent company, Conagra Brands, to tap into the growing snacking industry while connecting with younger audiences through Boucher’s influence. By utilizing his social media presence, the brand has successfully reached basketball fans and snack enthusiasts alike.
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played (GP) | Points Per Game (PTS) | Rebounds Per Game (REB) | Assists Per Game (AST) | Blocks Per Game (BLK) | Field Goal Percentage (FG%) | Three-Point Percentage (3P%) | Free Throw Percentage (FT%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Golden State | 1 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 2018–19 | Toronto Raptors | 28 | 3.3 | 2.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 44.7 | 32.4 | 86.7 |
| 2019–20 | Toronto Raptors | 62 | 6.6 | 4.5 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 47.2 | 32.2 | 78.4 |
| 2020–21 | Toronto Raptors | 60 | 13.6 | 6.7 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 51.4 | 38.3 | 78.8 |
| 2021–22 | Toronto Raptors | 80 | 9.4 | 6.2 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 46.4 | 29.7 | 77.7 |
| 2022–23 | Toronto Raptors | 76 | 9.4 | 5.5 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 49.3 | 32.8 | 76.2 |
| 2023–24 | Toronto Raptors | 50 | 6.4 | 4.1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 50.7 | 33.0 | 77.2 |
| Current (2024–25) | Toronto Raptors | 12 | 11.6 | 4.5 | 1 | 0. |
FAQs
1. Where was Chris Boucher born, and what is his nationality?
Chris Boucher was born in Castries, Saint Lucia. He moved to Montreal, Canada, at the age of five and holds Saint Lucian-Canadian nationality.
2. What position does Chris Boucher play in basketball?
Chris Boucher plays as a forward-center in the NBA. His versatility allows him to contribute both offensively and defensively.
3. Which college did Chris Boucher attend, and how did he perform there?
Chris Boucher attended the University of Oregon after starting at junior college. He excelled during his two years with the Ducks, averaging 12.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
4. What are Chris Boucher’s career achievements in the NBA G League?
Chris Boucher won both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the NBA G League for the 2018–19 season, becoming the first player to achieve this feat simultaneously.
5. Has Chris Boucher won an NBA championship?
Yes, Chris Boucher won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors during the 2018–19 season, becoming the first Canadian player to win a title with Canada’s only NBA team.
6. Why has Chris Boucher seen reduced playing time recently?
Chris Boucher’s reduced playing time is due to Toronto Raptors focusing on younger players for development and his expiring contract, which makes him less central to their future plans.
7. What is Chris Boucher’s playing style?
Chris Boucher is known for his energetic defense, hustle plays, and streaky shooting. His lanky frame makes him effective as a small-ball center or alongside another big man.
8. What are Chris Boucher’s career averages in the NBA?
Chris Boucher has career averages of 8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game across 407 regular-season games.
9. What is Chris Boucher’s current contract situation with the Raptors?
Chris Boucher is on an expiring contract worth $10 million for the 2024–25 season, making his future with Toronto uncertain amid financial constraints.
10. What challenges does Chris Boucher face in finding a new team?
Chris Boucher’s unique skill set and contract value make it challenging to find a team that fits his playing style and financial demands while accommodating his defensive needs alongside another big man.
