3 Toronto Raptors who could lose their roster spot midseason

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 26: D.J. Wilson #9 of the Toronto Raptors passes while under pressure from Lauri Markkanen #24 and Justin Anderson #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 26, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 144-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 01: Malachi Flynn #22 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

2. Malachi Flynn

While the Raptors will give both Flynn and Dalano Banton a chance to compete for the backup point guard spot, the most likely scenario that Nick Nurse rolls with to start the season is a player like Scottie Barnes (or perhaps O.G. Anunoby) as the primary ball-handler with the second unit.

The odds that the Raptors find a way to utilize both Flynn and Banton long-term are minimal. With Banton offering more versatility and defensive potential, two traits this front office will gush over, Flynn might be the more likely of the two to be scrapped, perhaps in a trade.

Will Malachi Flynn finally break out for the Toronto Raptors?

The Raptors don’t have a ton of tradeable assets outside of moving some starters in exchange for a superstar, but the pro-am superstar might appeal to some teams who would love to give him a hypothetical fresh start. He can still get buckets, though not as consistently as Toronto would like to see.

Flynn has tons of talent, and the right coach might be able to get it out of him should he be given a long leash. However, with Toronto now in Year 3 of trying to make him fit into their system, they will not be locked into him if he does not take the required steps forward.