Raptors: 4 non-Scottie Barnes players to watch in Summer League

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: A general view of the Toronto Raptors logo (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: A general view of the Toronto Raptors logo (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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Malachi Flynn, Toronto Raptors, Summer League
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 04: Malachi Flynn #8 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

1. PG Malachi Flynn

Flynn overcame an extremely slow start to his rookie season to eventually win Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month. If everything goes as planned, and VanVleet assumed the role of starting point guard, Flynn should be in line to handle the backup responsibilities.

Flynn can defend and shoot 3-pointers at a solid clip for the NBA, but his issues finishing at the rim haunted him last year. If his offseason work is any indication of what sort of player he is becoming, Flynn has worked tirelessly to improve his speed, skill at creating offense for himself, and consistency near the basket.

https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1422612729551101955

How much has Raptors point guard Malachi Flynn improved?

VanVleet will be the starting point guard, but Flynn is the clear No. 2 option, and will be one of the first men off of the bench. The Raptors will have a much-reduced tolerance for Flynn making mistakes. The first, and perhaps best, place Flynn can show off his improvements before the season is in the Summer League.

Knowing that Lowry’s free agency could be a very tenuous situation, the Raptors drafted Flynn will the hope of meshing with VanVleet and keeping the point guard room afloat. With a strong showing in this set of games, Flynn can set the stage for an incredibly successful breakout year.