2018 NBA Mock Draft: Who’s moving at the top?

My money is on Portland as the team that promised Hutchison a first-round selection and prompted him to withdraw from the combine. It makes too much sense — considering Hutchison’s ball-handling and his body, perfect for maneuvering along the wing defensively.

Portland forwards Al-Farouq Aminu and Maurice Harkless were among the most valuable players on the team according to Box Plus-Minus and Real Plus-Minus. Each player fared better by each stat than nominal second star CJ McCollum, a player who may even be involved in trade discussions this summer depending on the direction the team steers. When Harkless played in their first-round sweep, the team was able to handle New Orleans’ small lineups better, and their offensive spacing improved. The problem is that Aminu and Harkless are their only real options if they want to match up with the league’s best small ball units. Hutchison would change that.

He controlled the ball a ton at Boise State, a far cry from the role he’ll have in the NBA early on. One potential positive regarding a potential partnership between Portland and Hutchison is that they would benefit more than most teams from Hutchison’s playmaking upside. He wouldn’t catapult into a primary option for the Trail Blazers, but he would improve a bench perennially in need of ball-handlers.

Altogether, the pick makes sense from a variety of angles when you consider Portland’s need to become more flexible defensively and Hutchison’s potential to contribute right away as a four-year college player.