Phoenix Suns sign high-flying forward Chandler Hutchison

The Phoenix Suns announced they have signed 25-year-old forward Chandler Hutchison on Tuesday afternoon. It’s been reported and speculated by many that this will be a two-way contract, though the details are not entirely official just yet.

The team released this statement today via their team website:

The Phoenix Suns today signed free agent forward Chandler Hutchison.

Hutchison (6-6, 210 pounds) has appeared in 97 career games (25 starts) with Chicago and Washington through his first three NBA seasons, also appearing in two playoff games with the Wizards this past season. The 25-year-old holds career regular season averages of 5.7 points on 44.1% shooting and 3.8 rebounds in 18.2 minutes.

Who is he?

Hutchison was the 22nd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls after an accomplished college career at Boise State where he won Mountain West Player of the Year.

He is an athletic forward that can guard multiple positions and holds a reported 7’1” wingspan. He had a breakout senior season for Boise State which led to the Bulls giving him a “draft promise” in 2018 where he skipped the draft combine.

When I say he can jump, I mean it. He will add some immediate athletic “pop” to the Suns’ roster. Exhibit A:

Fit in Phoenix

The wing/forward depth in Phoenix is already set in stone at this point, so it’s unlikely Hutchison carves out any significant role barring an injury or trade. He’ll slot in the “break glass in case of emergency” role as a playable wing that can eat minutes up if they need him to.

James Jones using the “Two-Way” slot on a player that is 25 years old and ready to contribute is the most Jones thing ever.

Jones did take a gamble on Cameron Payne, and I’d say things worked out just fine. Chandler posted the caption, “Go where you’re wanted and prove them right” on his Instagram post, confirming the signing. That seems to be the mantra here in Phoenix under this leadership, a culture that simultaneously breeds a nurturing and competitive environment.

On the same day that Hutchison signs a (reported) two-way contract, Ty-Shon Alexander signed with an Italian team in the LBA, Virtus Bologna.

Assuming it is indeed a two-way contract, it’s a harmless gamble on a guy that can contribute if necessary. There is still some upside there despite him being 25, similar to Payne’s breakthrough trajectory in some ways.

Here he displays some of that slashing ability, making some impressive finishes through contact and throws down a few extremely impressive dunks.