Player Recaps: Chandler Hutchison

This nine-part series takes an extensive look at Skyforce players throughout the 2021-22 season. We will highlight season and career highs, as well as the impact each player made on the court. Next, we take a look at forward Chandler Hutchison. 

Hutchison joined the Skyforce in the beginning of February and made an immediate impact in the starting lineup.

He provided the team with much needed muscle and athletic ability, which translated to a much better defensive team. It also helped open the floor for the Force, as they were able to get into transition a lot easier.

Simply put, the acquisition of the former first round NBA pick positioned Sioux Falls to play in a way they hadn't been able to all season.

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In his first month with the team, the Skyforce went 9-3. They were in the top-10 in three major G League statistical categories during that stretch: FG%, 3P% and plus/minus.

In just Hutchison's second game with the Skyforce on February 6, he posted a stat line of 14 points on 6-9 FGA, 13 rebounds and three steals in a crucial victory over the Birmingham Squadron.  In less than a week, he posted another consistent game of 14 points on 5-12 FGA, three rebounds, four steals and a plus-15 plus-minus.

From February 26 to March 15, Hutchison would score in double figures in each of the team's seven games, while adding three double doubles to his tally.

In two games combined against the Texas Legends and Iowa Wolves on March 4 and 6, he showed his potential with 25 points, 25 rebounds, 12 assists, four steals, three blocks and a plus-53 plus-minus.

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Hutch had his two highest scoring outings in the last three games of the season.

On March 26 against the Oklahoma City Blue, he posted a G League career high 21 points on 8-14 FGA, five rebounds and five assists, with a plus-14 plus-minus. He followed that up just a few days later against the South Bay Lakers with 20 points on 7-12 FGA, seven rebounds and three assists.

In 20 games for the Skyforce, Hutchison averaged 11.4 points on 42.9 percent shooting, 7.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals per 36.2 minutes.

Hutchison showed potential as yet another player who can use Sioux Falls as their outlet back to the NBA. With the Summer League approaching with scouts galore, he will have a great opportunity in front of him to earn a spot back in the NBA.

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