Chicago Bulls: Was Chandler Hutchison the right choice at No. 22?

With the No. 22 overall pick, the Chicago Bulls selected Chandler Hutchison. We answer the question everyone is asking — did they make the right choice?

The Chicago Bulls fulfilled their promise to draft Chandler Hutchison with the No. 22 overall pick. After selecting Wendell Carter Jr. No. 7 overall, the Bulls completed perhaps the most predictable draft in NBA history. While the pick was expected, was it the right one?

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While I want to like this pick, there are a number of concerns. We’ll start with the good. He’s got tremendous size at 6-foot-7 and a 7-foot-1 wingspan. In fact, it’s ideal for the “3-and-D” position he’ll be asked to play for the Bulls. Not only that, but the team was in desperate need of a wing player. From that perspective, he fulfills a big need. He shot a very respectable 36 percent from three-point range.

Now the bad. Fans should not expect much more than a player who can launch it from three and play average defense. If he develops into more than that, it would be a huge windfall for the Bulls. However, fans should manage expectations. For starters, he’s already 22 years old and was fairly mediocre in college until his senior season. Maybe he’s a late bloomer, or perhaps he’s hit his ceiling.

In addition, he only shot 34 percent on two-point jump shots. He was much more effective around the rim, but will not have that many opportunities in the paint at the next level. He’ll be asked to do his damage on the perimeter and just inside of it. Therefore, he is going to have to improve his offensive skill set and become more effective at knocking down the mid-range jumper.

While his three-point shooting was better, a slightly deeper dive into the numbers reveals an additional concern. The overwhelming majority of his three-pointers were assisted. Consequently, he is not the type of player to create his own shot. Combine this with his ineffective mid-range game. and he’s fairly one dimensional as an offensive player.

The reality is this was the No. 22 overall pick and in a sense, the Bulls are buying a lottery ticket. They are hoping Hutchison has not hit his ceiling but rather, is coming into his own. If that’s the case, and he continues to develop, the Bulls have a steal. If not, then this one is likely a miss. However, Bulls fans would be well served to keep their expectations in check.