NBA 2020-21: 5 Role players that are having an outstanding season

Chris Boucher (Toronto Raptors)

Chris Boucher of the Toronto Raptors takes a knee during the national anthem before the start of a game against the Brooklyn Nets.

Chris Boucher is having a breakout season with the Toronto Raptors and is posting the highest averages of his career. He is providing them a spark off the bench and is filling up the stat sheet, especially when the Raptors need it the most — during one of their droughts.

The Raptors suffered not one but two blows in the off-season, with Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol taking their talents elsewhere, leaving them severely depleted in that department. Boucher has stepped in and is taking care of business on a nightly basis.

Chris Boucher last 6 games-23 PTS - 10 REB - 3 BLK - 75 FG% - 50 3P%-15 PTS - 6 REB - 6 BLK - 60 FG% - 66 3P%-20 PTS - 8 REB - 3 BLK - 58 FG% - 62 3P%-25 PTS - 10 REB - 2 BLK - 66 FG% - 50 3P%-20 PTS - 9 REB - 2 BLK - 71 FG% - 50 3P%-21 PTS - 10 REB - 3 BLK - 66 FG% pic.twitter.com/GPIxLAo7A8

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 19, 2021

The big man is showing off his all-round skills as he blocks shots, makes the long-range trey, and runs the floor in what is turning out to be a spirited campaign. Boucher is averaging 15.5 points, 6.6 rebounds on a whopping 59% shooting from the floor, and an impressive 48% from the beyond the arc.

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Nicolas Batum (Los Angeles Clippers)

Nicolas Batum of the LA Clippers brings up the ball during a Clippers win over the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center.

Nicolas Batum is a veteran who has played the game at the highest level. Using Batum as a starter with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard has done wonders for the new-look LA Clippers this season. In addition to Batum, Serge Ibaka coming in as the primary center has given the Clippers a new identity this season.

Batum does not let adversity affect his game and continues to make the right play on both ends of the hardwood. The LA Clippers were a disaster in the playoffs last season, and this where Batum's presence in the team will come in handy. He can help them navigate through a long series that will require maturity and patience.

Not only have Nicolas Batum and Serge Ibaka provided an immediate boost for the Clippers, but they already have a “secret” understanding together https://t.co/TonF5rcUeJ

— Clips Nation (@clipsnation) January 15, 2021

Batum is having a great season and is playing efficient basketball. In 15 games, he is averaging 9.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 49% shooting from the floor and 43% shooting from beyond the arc. Batum could be the difference-maker for LA in the postseason later in the year.

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Damion Lee (Golden State Warriors)

Stephen Curry talks to Damion Lee of the Golden State Warriors in a game against the Toronto Raptors.

Damion Lee has stepped up big time for the Golden State Warriors this season. Lee has become a reliable option from beyond the arc and is getting some attention from the coaching staff.

It all started with his game-winning shot back in December 2020 that saved the Warriors from losing their fourth straight game to open the season.

It's no secret that except for Curry, the Warriors' starting five has been struggling on the offensive end of the hardwood. And this is where someone like Damion Lee can help Curry make threes and stretch the floor.

Warriors offensive rating when Steph Curry and Damion Lee play together is 121.2. When these 2 see the floor together, good things happen.#GiveLeeMoreMinutes pic.twitter.com/sHPJ1v0kEu

— 🅿🅱🇵🇭🌉 (@DubsPainTour) January 16, 2021

This season, Lee is averaging 6.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 18 minutes from the bench.