Winners and Losers after Raptors start season with win vs. Timberwolves

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 25: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles up court between Scottie Barnes #4 Precious Achiuwa #5 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on October 25, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 02: Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Losers: Malachi Flynn and Chris Boucher

You know Nick Nurse is truly gone when Boucher received an Opening Night DNP and Flynn was playing meaningful second-half minutes. While Flynn had some individually impressive plays, the overall showing was more of the same maddening play that has driven fans crazy.

Flynn committed four fouls in 10 minutes, made just one of his three shots from the field, committed two turnovers, and was -14 on the floor. The search for a true backup point guard may continue if Flynn continues to play like this. At least he got on the floor, which Boucher couldn’t say.

Malachi Flynn and Chris Boucher had tough nights for the Toronto Raptors.

Rajakovic largely used a nine-man rotation, save for a Gradey Dick cameo that lasted all of two minutes. Boucher never took his warmups off, which could be a sign the veteran player is not held in high regard by Rajakovic or a brand-new coaching staff with no attachments to him.

While Rajakovic did call Boucher an “ultimate professional” about the whole situation and teased the idea of him playing a role on the court in some form or fashion this season, it seems unlikely that he will get tons of minutes anytime soon barring injuries or some stunning regressions ahead of him.

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