Toronto Raptors All-Time draft bust starting 5

The Toronto Raptors are in danger of missing the playoffs and heading back into the lottery. The last time that happened, the Raptors selected Scottie Barnes fourth overall and got a franchise cornerstone. Toronto has done well in the draft in recent years, especially finding gems late in the first round like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.

The NBA Draft is an inexact science. The top prospects do not always turn out to be the best NBA players, and the Raptors have never been afraid to shoot for upside with their picks. That often means taking less polished players, which adds some bust potential.

Toronto has favored selecting wings and big men in the draft, and they have taken plenty of busts since joining the NBA in 1995. Here is a look at the franchise’s worst picks made into a starting five.

Toronto Raptors All-Time Draft Bust Starting 5

PG: Malachi Flynn

It might be a bit early to put Flynn on this list to some, but he has struggled in his first three NBA seasons. Flynn was the 29th overall selection in 2020, and the pandemic severely impacted the draft process that year. Practice time was limited and none of the traditional showcases took place, which put Flynn further behind in his development.

In his first three seasons combined, Flynn has averaged 5.6 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in 15.3 minutes per game. He has shot 37.8 percent from the field and just 74.0 percent on his free throws. Flynn played 19.7 minutes per game as a rookie, and he has not come close to that number over the last two seasons.

Malachi Flynn has struggled for the Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors have only selected two point guards in the first round since their inception in 1995, and Damon Stoudamire won Rookie of the Year in 1996. That left Flynn as the only option for this selection, but he is in danger of fully going down as a bust if his production does not increase soon.