After just four years in the NBA and 103 games played, 26-year-old outfielder Chandler Hutchison has announced his retirement from basketball. An early retirement that seems 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, retires.
The Heat’s G League affiliate announced that Chandler Hutchison, the NBA veteran who played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, has retired.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) November 30, 2022
Member of the magnificent 2018 Draft vintage, including Luka Doncic, Trae Young and Shaï Gilgeous-Alexander to name a few, Hutchison was then selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 22nd pick. Lui then spent just over two seasons with the Illinois franchise, but totaled just 79 games there. Author of a correct rookie season with 5.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, the young outfielder was even a starter 14 times in his first year. Which probably says more about the quality of the Bulls’ roster at the time than the full talent of the player. A frequent victim of injuries, erratic in his performance, the winger unfortunately never managed to break through in Chicago.
Moving 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 from the capital and then unsuccessfully traversed San Antonio and Phoenix, the youngster had been forced to seek playing time downstairs.
Playing in the G-League since then, Chandler Hutchison’s future has seemed brightened, however, as he’s averaging 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 her decision on her Instagram Story :
“I have decided to leave 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 for me, but I am deeply convinced that God has a plan and it is only a step towards something greater than anything I could ever imagine. Thank you.”
An early withdrawal therefore, which recalls those of Landry Fields or to another extent Brandon Roy, who also had chained injuries before making the decision to retire from the Great League.
It remains to be seen if this withdrawal is temporary or if Chandler Hutchison’s decision is already final.
Text source: Ira Winderman / South Florida Sun Sentinel
