Chicago Bulls: 3 most important role players so far this season

2. Chandler Hutchison, Small Forward

Just like Gafford, the advanced stats can be a bit deceptive as to how the second-year former Boise State Broncos small forward Chandler Hutchison actually contributes to the Chicago Bulls. His numbers are still down this season, but a better supporting cast and improved coaching would get that over the hump.

Hutchison is not a starting caliber small forward in the NBA. At least not yet. He lacks the ability to shake defenders and create many looks for his own. He is starting to create more looks around the rim of late, but that might not happen consistently. The previous assumption that he can’t get past opposing defenders and penetrate the lane makes it so that he doesn’t get much breathing room from the outside.

The efficiency of Hutchison is marked from a season ago. His value over replacement player rating rose from -0.5 to -0.2 over the course of the last two years. And his number of win shares per 48 minutes more than doubled from his rookie season. He doubled his steal rate and increased his assist rate from 5.3 to 7.7 percent this season.

Most impressive of all, though, is the development of late that Hutchison can get to the rack and draw more fouls. His free-throw attempt rate went from 18.2 percent last season to 46.6 this year. Considering Hutch is still registering a box plus/minus rating of -3.3, he has a long way to go, but the marked progress in so many areas is a great sign for his future in the Windy City.