After just four years in the NBA and 103 games played, 26-year-old winger Chandler Hutchison has announced his retirement from basketball. An early retirement that seems to be linked to personal problems.
The news was announced by Ira Winderman of South Florida Sun Sentinel last night: Chandler Hutchison, who played for the Sioux Fall Skyforce, the G-League team associated with the Miami Heat, is retiring.
The Heat’s G League affiliate announced that Chandler Hutchison, the NBA veteran who has been playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, has retired.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) November 30, 2022
Member of the magnificent vintage of Draft 2018, counting in its ranks Luka Doncic, Trae Young and Shaï Gilgeous-Alexander to name a few, Hutchison was then selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 22nd choice. He then spent a little more than two seasons in the Illinois franchise, but totaled only 79 games there. Author of a correct rookie season with 5.2 points and 4.2 rebounds on average, the young winger was even a starter 14 times in his first year. Which probably says more regarding the quality of the Bulls’ roster at the time than regarding the full talent of the player. Often the victim of injuries, inconsistent in his performance, the winger has unfortunately never been able to break through in Chicago.
Transferred to the Wizards at the 2021 trade deadline, Hutchison was part of the three-team trade in which Washington also picked up Daniel Gafford. Quickly cleared of the capital then unsuccessfully passed through San Antonio and Phoenix, the youngster had been forced to seek playing time on the lower floor.
Playing in the G-League since then, Chandler Hutchison’s future seemed revived, however, as he averaged 16.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in five games played this season. In the end, nothing will happen. Following Ira Winderman’s announcement, Hutchison posted a message vaguely explaining the reasons for his decision on his Instagram story :
“I have decided to step aside from my basketball career for the time being, for personal reasons, to determine what is best for my future. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m deeply convinced that God has a plan and it’s just a step towards something bigger than anything I might ever imagine. Thanks. »
An early retirement therefore, which is reminiscent of those of Landry Fields or to another extent Brandon Roy, who also had a string of injuries before making the decision to retire from the Great League.
It remains to be seen whether this retirement is temporary, or whether Chandler Hutchison’s decision is already final.
Source texte : Ira Winderman / South Florida Sun Sentinel