With Chicago Bulls starting power forward Bobby Portis slated to miss the next 4-6 weeks with a sprained MCL in his right knee, rookie Chandler Hutchison will start in his place Friday night against the Charlotte Hornets, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
The Bulls drafted Hutchison with the 22nd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Boise State. He has appeared in three games this season and is averaging 3.7 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 62.5 percent from the field.
Fred Hoiberg confirms Chandler Hutchison starts at PF vs. Hornets. Jabari Parker remains with 2nd unit, likely in closing group.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 26, 2018
As Johnson notes, Jabari Parker will remain as a reserve but will likely get key minutes at the end of games. Parker initially was slated to start the season at small forward, but he was pushed over to power forward when Lauri Markkanen hurt his elbow. The local product was then moved to the bench after struggling in preseason.
Chandler Hutchison averaged 11.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists during the Summer League. He shot 50 percent from 3-point range. The wing projects as a budding shooter and stellar wing defender, and he can also handle the rock in transition at 6-foot-7, something Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg likes.
Hutchison, a native of California, posted 20.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game during his senior season at Boise State. He shot 47.5 percent from the floor and 35.9 percent beyond the 3-point line.
The Bulls are not expected to compete for a playoff spot this year. This season is all about developing Chandler Hutchison, fellow rookie Wendell Carter Jr. and the rest of Chicago's young core. Unfortunately, Markkanen, Portis and Kris Dunn are dealing with injuries, though Zach LaVine is looking like a star.
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