Toronto Raptors: Predicting Malachi Flynn’s stats in 2021-22

The Toronto Raptors have leaned into their desire to develop and cultivate young two-way talent, and 2020 first-round pick Malachi Flynn is the epitome of this philosophy. While it took the San Diego State product some time to get going in the NBA, the last two months of the season showed us all the type of player he could be.

While Flynn’s 37% success rate from the field looked bad, he averaged 12.5 points per game on 40% shooting in April and May, as injuries helped him get a larger dose of minutes. He parlayed those numbers into an Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month selection.

Along with a number change from No. 8 to No. 22, Flynn suited up for Toronto in Summer League play with the intent of showing that he is starting to become a more deadly player on the offensive end. Based on some of the early returns, the speed and dribbling he became famous for appears to be even more lethal.

What can we expect from Flynn on the stat sheet this season? Even if he doesn’t suddenly turn into a high-level starter, it’s reasonable to expect gradual, yet tangible, improvements on the offensive end.

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What will the Toronto Raptors get out of Malachi Flynn in 2021-22?

Flynn should score just under 10 points per game this season. While that might not sound like a huge increase in his effectiveness, the addition of Scottie Barnes, who will handle the ball plenty, paired with Goran Dragic ending up in Toronto means Flynn will have plenty of backcourt competition around him this year.

Flynn should focus on improving his efficiency, specifically around the rim. Flynn averaged just over 19 minutes and seven shots per game last year, and he’ll likely be just a tad north of those rates in 2021-22, getting that field goal percentage to 41% or higher would do wonders for his offensive game.

One area where we could see Flynn take a step forward is his ability to work as a distributor. 2.9 assists per game isn’t a terrible number given the circumstances, but he should aim for at least 4.0 per game, as his ability to set up teammates is one of his best traits.

On defense, expect more of the same. While he’s not at the level of someone like Fred VanVleet, he’s proven to be enough of a pest to warrant being designated as a positive perimeter defender.

Flynn might not be in line for a starting role this season, but it is clear to all that Toronto still values him and views his development as a key stepping stone in their plan to build a contender. He might not set the world on fire this season, but Raptors fans should expect him to be a lethal guard off of the bench.