Toronto Raptors predictions: Best-case scenario core player comparisons

Malachi Flynn – Mookie Blaylock

Not that fast, not that strong, not spectacular at any one thing, just smart and steady and good. That’s what Mookie Blaylock brought to the table, and that’s what Masai Ujiri knew he was getting with Malachi Flynn.

Blaylock was never the best point guard in the league, but he was in the top ten for a pretty good stint. How did he do that? Firstly, defence. Both Flynn and Blaylock’s defence may be their strongest quality, but also because Blaylock played the game with his mind.

He manipulated opponents rather than beating them into submission, and did it all with few athletic gifts to his name.

Now, because of Blaylock’s limitations, he was often the footnote in the season ranking of great point guards, playing second fiddle to the glut of awesome point guards that rose and fell in the 90s. He was never the greatest, but was consistently really good.

The Toronto Raptors will help Malachi Flynn develop

When the Raptors took Flynn with the 29th pick, there were other rookies on the board with higher upside. Raw, skinny, bigs who could shoot and dunk, sure, but did they knew the game of basketball? You don’t have to ask that question with Flynn.

He’s been in control lately, despite his lack of any physical advantages. He’s able to outthink defenders, get to the rim, and see tough passing angles. His game all comes from what he’s got going on upstairs, and that’s why his career will be long and successful. A slow burn that won’t combust.

Gary Trent Jr. – Poor man’s Bradley Beal

Before his 44 point explosion on April 10, Raptors fans weren’t quite sure what the best-case scenario for Trent’s career was. Yes, he was a talented shooter, yes he was a talented scorer at only 22 years old, but how good could he really be?

Well, Toronto got its answer in a Saturday night showdown against the Cavaliers. Trent rained in points from every level. Hitting contested fallaway jumpers, moving threes, step-backs, isolating, all of it.

It can be difficult to define the greatness of a player like Trent. He’s not a ridiculous athlete, he’s not a highlight machine, and he doesn’t have one exceptional skill to market to NBA fans or front offices. You’d think he’s unexceptional, only, his shots always seem to go in.

That’s why he reminds us of Bradley Beal. Beal doesn’t pass like Magic, he can’t jump like Jordan, he’s not as big as Durant, as flashy as Kyrie, he can’t dominate physically like Giannis, or shoot like Curry, but he’ll give you 30 a night. If you’re looking for another tie-in between Trent and Beal, their 22-year-old stats are very similar.

Trent has gained a lot of respect on the floor over these past few weeks with the Raptors, but he’s also gained respect as a voice in the league.

When players join a franchise there is always a honeymoon period when they’re bleeding the colours of the new organization and city, that isn’t rare, but Trent seems to really understand that Toronto is truly the best place for his career.

He knows that if he’s going to be a star in this league it’s going to be with this team.  He’s a smart man, a loyal player, and that’s another page from Beal’s book.