Bulls' Hutchison out indefinitely for personal reasons

Bulls forward Chandler Hutchison will be out indefinitely due to personal reasons. Coach Billy Donovan shared the news before Monday's game against Washington.

"He and I had a discussion the other day in Orlando and we talked a little bit there, and then we had a chance to talk when we got back here to Chicago," Donovan said. "I can't really talk any more about it. The conversations I have had with him have been absolutely terrific.

"I give him a lot of credit. He's handled himself like a complete pro. But right now there's some things he needs to focus on personally and that's where his attention is at. I don't know how long he'll be out."

Donovan said the third-year forward will stay with the team and would likely be on the bench Monday, but will not play.

Hutchison hasn't played much since the second week of the season when he tested positive for COVID-19 during a road trip in Washington. He's made three appearances since Jan. 23, for a total of about 12 minutes.

It's not clear if Hutchison's absence is related to his bout with the coronavirus, but he did experience a few days of severe symptoms as he quarantined at a Washington hotel.

"He's probably going to be on our bench. He certainly wants to be part of the group," Donovan said. "When we got back (from Orlando) we had a chance to visit a little bit further and obviously with what he's dealing with right now, he's going to be out for some time. I don't know how long it is, but the conversation started and they've been mutual. They've been really transparent and open."

In three seasons with the Bulls, Hutchison has played in 79 of a possible 169 games. He missed time with a toe injury as a rookie and a shoulder problem last season. The 6-6 forward from Boise State was chosen with the 22nd pick of the 2018 draft.

Otto Porter missed his fourth straight game Monday with back soreness.