The Toronto Raptors used a first-round pick on San Diego State point guard Malachi Flynn way back in 2020. While Desmond Bane (picked one choice after him) has become a max contract player for a good Grizzlies team, Flynn is fighting for his NBA future.
Flynn never looked comfortable under Nick Nurse, as his efficiency never became what the Raptors expected and his defensive excellence from San Diego State must have been left at customs when he made the trip up to Canada.
The Raptors had multiple chances to unload Flynn, yet they have chosen to keep him around despite the fact they have had multiple opportunities to make a clean break and start over. Does Masai Ujiri see potential in him, or is he just unwilling to admit he made a mistake?
The Raptors have more competition for Flynn this season in the form of Markquis Nowell and Jeff Dowtin, among others. Will the pressure turn Flynn into the diamond in the rough Toronto thought they had when they drafted him? Will his struggles from years past still weigh him down?
Happy 25th Birthday, Malachi Flynn! 🎉#WeTheNorth | @Raptors pic.twitter.com/JoqJKZXVmi
— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) May 9, 2023
Toronto Raptors 21 in 21: Will Malachi Flynn get back on track?
Stats: 4.6 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 36% FG, 35% 3PT
Flynn had some brief moments in the rotation last season, but none of those stretches ended up lasting due to some iffy shot selection and struggles on the defensive end. Why else was Dowtin eventually put in over him in the rotation at key moments in the season?
At Flynn’s best, he is a creative ball-handler with a terrific ability to pull up off the dribble. Toronto needs to strike a balance between letting him freewheel in the name of playing his game and also getting him to thrive within a specific system.
Best Case Scenario for Malachi Flynn in 2023
Flynn shoots over 41% from the field, marking a substantial increase from last year, which leads to him beating out Dowtin and Nowell. Even if he starts the year outside the rotation, Flynn will begin the year as a backup point guard who eventually becomes a steady bench presence.
Flynn might need a new mindset to flip the switch in his mind, as the more positive Rajakovic could be the reinforcement he needs mentally. He looked passive at times under Nurse, perhaps as a product of overthinking things.
Worst Case Scenario for Malachi Flynn in 2023
Flynn gets released or traded away, as the Raptors finally decide that enough is enough. Flynn’s efficiency has shown minimal signs of improving in the last few years, and there is a chance that he needs more work in that area than one-half season could provide.
Flynn will need to compete with names like Nowell and Dowtin just to be the backup to Schroder. Unless injuries happen, Flynn will be on the roster bubble for the duration of the season.