Pippen Ain't Easy
Fansided

Chicago Bulls: Hutchison’s future success dependent on developing jumpshot

By Aymin Bakr

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: Chandler Hutchison #15 of the Chicago Bulls arrives at the arena before the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 29, 2018 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 29: Chandler Hutchison #15 of the Chicago Bulls arrives at the arena before the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 29, 2018 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Current impact

On the surface, Chandler Hutchison is having a relatively average season for a rookie. In 18.8 minutes per game, the 6’7″ forward is averaging 5.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 0.5 steals. He’s shooting 48.3 percent from the field, and 28.6 percent from the three point line.

Furthermore, Chandler is only attempting 4.5 total shots per game in which 1.1 are from beyond the arc. He’s only played 20 minutes or more in 13 total games and has scored over 10 points just once, which came against the Houston Rockets.

While Chandler’s performance appears relatively lackluster, that’s certainly not the whole truth.

He has emerged as one of the best defenders on the team in the relatively short amount of time he’s given. On a roster where defense seems like an afterthought, this has proven to be fairly important.

The young forward does things that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet and is consistently and effectively disrupting opponents and their gameplans. He’s quick on his feet and is long enough to stay in front of opposing teams’ best players and often rips the ball away in the process.

Hutchison has been able to stick with high-level offensive players like James Harden and Tyreke Evans for more than just a possession or two.

Considering the fact that he can play multiple positions and that Jabari Parker’s defense has been questioned seemingly every game, Hutchison becomes even more valuable for this team as he’s been inserted into a variety of different lineups.

Chandler’s defense, effort and versatility, however, aren’t the only redeeming qualities he possesses. While he lacks in the shooting department, the 22-year-old is extremely athletic and aggressive in game.

He’s not afraid to attack the rim regardless of who’s guarding him and he converts fairly often, either laying it in off the glass or rising above the rim for a slam.

He’s not necessarily a great playmaker, but he can play defense, attack the rim and rebound the basketball at a fairly high level considering the amount of minutes he’s given.

Hutchison can do everything a small forward needs to do except hit the 3-ball consistently but, given his college resume, that’s not as far away as it seems.

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