After a tough start to the Chicago bulls season, how has the return of Chandler Hutchison been a real positive for this team?
The Chicago Bulls have had a better last week after a rough start to the season. The return of Chandler Hutchison has been a real positive, his energy on both ends has been infectious and he provides an above the rim presence that this team struggles with outside of Zach LaVine. What skills has he shown and how else can he help this team moving forward?
Transition offense
The Bulls should play more in transition. That is clear to everyone who watches this team. They have LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Coby White. Now by adding Hutchinson they have agile young bodies who can burn opposition teams on the break. Jim Boylen doesn’t seem to be concerned with playing fast but when he has this players on the court they will just play this way naturally.
By virtue of being in the top five in steals and forced turnovers, Kris Dunn, White and Hutchison are pushing the ball from these opportunities and leaking out for easy lay-ups and dunks. Hutchison’s long strides coupled with his ability to finish through contact makes him the perfect foil as back up small forward to Otto Porter who plays a little slower.
This takes nothing away from Porter’s ability but the ability to switch line-up’s and play faster on the second unit is a massive positive. If Hutchison can develop his three-point shot then his ability to attack close-outs could really open up his game.
His confidence in attacking the rim was on show in his first game back as drew multiple and ones in that game.
Defensive upside
Hutchison’s massive 7-foot-1 wing span means he has the ability to play the four. If he can switch through or even four positions this gives the Bulls massive defensive flexibility. Though he has only shown flashes on the defensive end at NBA level he has already has some of the fundamentals down that show he may be a plus on this end.
He has great instincts on that end of the court and stays vertical using his big body to disrupt shots. Very quick for his size he jumps the passing lanes well and makes good decisions when t going for steals. His eye for rebounds is strong and he can soar above similar size opponents to grab boards on both ends.
He was a strong lateral mover in college and now needs to show at the NBA level against the bigger wings matchups. In his first games back he defended well on the perimeter, in a limited sample he stole the ball from opponents in the open court on a few occasions.
This Chicago Bulls team is in urgent need of players that can score and defend. The first month of the season has seen periods of play where they couldn’t score and defend at the same time. If his shot continues to improve he could be the two-way presence this team needs. With Porter out he will have plenty of chances to prove his worth.