Ex-Raptors player Chris Boucher writes heartfelt note to Toronto fans
Former Toronto Raptors player Chris Boucher has a lot of things to say about his time with the team.
And while he was relegated to the bench for much of the final season with the Raptors, Boucher seemed to have a pretty good way of putting things in perspective.
In an article published Friday for The Players’ Tribune, Boucher opened up about being homeless as a teenager after immigrating to Canada.
“It hasn’t always been easy for me since I came over from St. Lucia, but I love Canada so much. The people of this country have always shown me love and support, and I would not be the person that I am today if it wasn’t for all different people from all over Canada supporting me over the years,” Boucher wrote.
After eventually finding his footing at a Quebec prep school, Boucher caught the eye of scouts at the University of Oregon before moving on to the NBA. After one season with the Golden State Warriors, Boucher ended up with the Raptors, where he’d win the NBA championship in his first year with the franchise.
“To be able to win a title in Toronto, and then to be fortunate enough to play for seven amazing seasons in Canada is something that’s very meaningful to me. I think that’s where I finally got my Disney ending lol. It also wasn’t easy, though — … [I] just kept working, working, working,” Boucher wrote.
Before departing for the Boston Celtics this summer, Boucher was the last remaining member of the Raptors’ championship team, having spent seven of his eight NBA seasons with the organization.
“I mean, to win an NBA title is one thing…. But to win it and be able to bring that trophy back home to Canada? To win it after everything that I lived through? I don’t know how you put it into words, Boucher added. “It’s like…. I used to ride the bus around just to get some sleep at night. Just to stay warm. “Now I’m on top of the bus, holding up the NBA trophy? I’m a champion, riding through downtown Toronto?”
Boucher and the Celtics face off against the Raptors on Friday night at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto’s first home game of the postseason.
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