Rookie Chandler Hutchison hoping to fill Bulls' defensive need
Through two preseason games, rookie Chandler Hutchison has noticed the same thing as every other Bulls fan.
The team could use some improvement on defense.
So the rookie forward will try to make that his main emphasis. The Bulls have three more preseason games remaining, beginning Monday in Charlotte.
"It's more, that's the way I could help the team," Hutchison said Friday at the Advocate Center. "We've got so many things (working) offensively. That's not going to be an issue. So defensively, when I come in, make it noticeable that, 'Oh, we're doing better on defense, look who's on the floor,' that type of thing. So that's what I'm trying to focus on right now."
Hutchison got more playing time than any other Bull during the two preseason contests. Like most of his teammates, things went much better in the opener against New Orleans then on Wednesday in Milwaukee. Hutchison had 7 points and 4 rebounds against the Pelicans, then went 1-for-9 from the field against the Bucks and had the lowest plus-minus of any bench player.
Injuries have increased his opportunity, since both Lauri Markkanen (right elbow sprain) and Denzel Valentine (left ankle sprain) are out. Markkanen is expected to miss six to eight weeks, and with Jabari Parker sliding over to start at power forward, there could be minutes available for Hutchison at small forward when the regular season begins.
"With Chandler, you can see he's getting more comfortable every day," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "He's a guy that picks things up very quickly. He's a smart kid, he's got a high IQ. He's been great on the practice floor. He's a guy that I think will be a very good defender in this league that is able to guard multiple positions."
Hutchison did a little of everything during his four years at Boise State. His college career began as a role player, then he evolved into a 20-point scorer as a senior.
"I always prided myself on being a two-way player," he said. "I carried such a load offensively (last season), that maybe I couldn't be that guy at times, but I've always wanted to guard the best guy on the other team and to not slack off or just be one guy offensively. I've always carried myself that way."
He's trying to enjoy the grind of training camp. Friday was the Bulls' 11th straight day with a practice or game, but the streak will finally end Saturday when the team hosts its annual charity event.
"I don't see it like being grueling," Hutchison said. "Obviously, it's tough on the body and it's a new physical type of level. But it's all fun; just learning and having fun."
Hutchison felt learning the schemes on both ends came easier since he had summer league to learn and practice the team's plays.
He's a native of Mission Viejo, Calif., who spent four years in Boise. Does he miss the mountains?
"Yeah, a little bit, but the skyline out here, every time you drive through the city, it's pretty nice," he said. "I love it. (Chicago) has been good to me."
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls