Toronto Raptors: Pros and cons of Nick Nurse’s bench reshuffle

Pro: Malachi Flynn gets his shot

Flynn appeared to be much rawer than Masai Ujiri assumed when he became Toronto’s first-round pick last season, as he had to get sent down to the G League bubble after a very poor start to the season. He is shooting just 27% from the field and 20% from 3-point range.

Flynn was given a good chunk of playing time against the Jazz, as players like Johnson and Bembry made way for Flynn given his potential on offense. While he made just one shot against the Jazz, he started to look more like the player Nurse thought that he would be.

Can Malachi Flynn prove himself to the Raptors?

Flynn had one of his best games as a pro against Utah, as he looked pestilent on defense and confident on the offensive end. Seeing the ball go in the hoop a few times might be the psychological trigger he needs to return to the game-breaking two-way star that he was in college at San Diego State.

Flynn, the 29th pick in the draft, is by no means promised any sort of long-term equity in the Raptors’ draft plans. A poor stretch over the second half of the season could be devastating for his future prospects. However, if he balls out, he could the potential successor to Kyle Lowry if he leaves.