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Chandler Hutchison gives Blazers another Damian Lillard in draft

By Nate Mann

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 14: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers speaks with a referee during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans in Game One of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 14: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers speaks with a referee during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans in Game One of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Chandler Hutchison, a four-year guard for Boise State, will be an early 20s selection in this year’s draft. His ties with Damian Lillard could land him a spot with the Portland Trail Blazers, which pick at No. 24.

The Portland Trail Blazers have the No. 24 pick in this year’s NBA draft on June 21. Mock drafts predict the Blazers selecting a range of different players. Some write about the attraction of foreign wings, while others suggest staying local with Oregon’s Troy Brown.

One athlete rarely mentioned in these mock drafts for Portland is Chandler Hutchison. He played four years at Boise State, most recently leading the team to a 23-9 record.

Sports Illustrated predict him going to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bleacher Report’s most recent installment has him joining the Utah Jazz. The mock draft consensus is Hutchison going in the early 20s.

So why should the Blazers take the Boise State guard if he makes it to pick No. 24?

Damian Lillard Ties

Leon Rice, Boise State men’s basketball head coach, recruited Phil Beckner to join the coaching staff ahead of the 2016-2017 NBA season.

Beckner is widely known for player development, specifically with Damian Lillard preceding the 2012 draft. He was an assistant coach for five years at Weber State and director of operations for another two.

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Rice offered Beckner another Lillard-caliber player needing direction in Hutchison. The two bonded quickly and Beckner identified Hutchison’s points of focus for the next two seasons at Boise State.

With a ten-minute bump in playing time between sophomore and junior year plus Beckner’s guidance, Hutchison improved greatly.

His points per game averages increased from 6.8 (2015-2016) to 17.4 (2016-2017) to 20.0 (2017-2018). His field goal percentage remained above 47% despite attempting eight more shots per contest, and his three-point conversion hovered around 36%.

Hutchison also developed as a playmaker. He dished out two more assists per game senior year than sophomore year, but did commit nearly two more turnovers as a result.

Most importantly, Hutchison’s relationship with Beckner provided him access to occasional workouts with Damian Lillard.

The Boise State guard initially had issues with work ethic. Seeing Lillard in the gym showed him what it takes to make the NBA, as well as its rewards. Hutchison on Lillard:

"“He had to outwork a bunch of guys that were maybe recruited above him or got more hype than him. There are things I’ve taken away from being around him—how hard he works, his outlook on the game, on life. Seeing how he carries himself in everything he does, every decision he makes, even how he talks. He’s just a complete professional.”"

Chandler Hutchison’s Game

Chandler Hutchison is a 22-year-old right-handed SG/SF. He’s 6’7″ and weighs in at slightly less than 200 pounds.

Defense

The Mountain West Conference named Hutchison to its All-Defensive team this season. A 7’1″ wingspan enables him to defend multiple positions.

Versatility on defense is a commodity in the NBA, especially for the Blazers. Off the bench, he would compensate for Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum‘s defensive shortcomings.

After a few years of development with Portland, he could play a similar role to Al-Farouq Aminu and Maurice Harkless. All three athletes can guard the 1-4, plus Hutchison adds more reliable offense.

Offense

Hutchison is a superb penetrator. He thrives in both isolation and pick-and-roll schemes, driving to the hoop and finishing effectively (47.5% shooting senior year).

Improving his three-point accuracy 14% between year two and three at Boise State contributed to his success in the paint. With a capable three-point shot, defenders must stay honest on the perimeter, opening up driving lanes.

The New Orleans Pelicans took advantage of Portland’s inconsistent outside shooters in the playoff sweep. Their wing defenders wouldn’t be able to leave Hutchison open, therefore providing Lillard and McCollum with breathing room.

Additionally, Chandler Hutchison creates smart transition buckets. He averaged nearly 8 rebounds per game in both his junior and senior season. As an able ball handler, Hutchison turned these defensive rebounds up the court quickly to catch the defense before it sets up.

The Blazers ranked dead last in transition points per game. Adding Hutchison improves yet another weaker category for the team.

Next: Rumor: Aldridge wanted trade back to Portland

Chandler Hutchison plans to participate in this year’s NBA Draft Combine. He will join 68 other NBA-hopefuls in workouts for scouts across the league.

There, Hutchison can show off his versatility, defensive prowess and hidden potential…but hopefully not too much. He would be a great addition to a Blazers team likely losing its primary reserve guard to free agency.