5 players the Toronto Raptors chose to hold onto way too long
By Mike Luciano
4. Malachi Flynn
Flynn has already made it onto this list. After getting thrown into an impossible situation as a rookie due to the delayed NBA Draft and the whole Tampa sabbatical mess, Flynn looked like a very promising rookie after getting his feet under him in the second half of his debut season. Replicating that has proven tough.
Flynn’s minutes have stagnated at around 13 per game, and he is often limited to mop-up duty. A career 37% shooter from the field, Flynn has never been as efficient as he was in college. As such, replacing Fred VanVleet proved to be too difficult of a task for him to accomplish.
Malachi Flynn hasn’t thrived with the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors could have bailed on him in a trade if they were so inclined, and doing so likely would have helped them get back a piece that could help them win now. Instead, they have let him waste away on the bench to the point where his value has essentially deteriorated into nothing.
When you’re coming into the NBA as small as Flynn, efficiency or excellent passing ability must be a prerequisite. Flynn has offered neither. While his handle is impressive, the Raptors may not be the best place for Flynn when it comes to carrying on his NBA career.