Raptors news: Tom Brady helps Malachi Flynn, Raptors 905 kicks off

The Toronto Raptors have put a ton of trust in fourth-year backup Malachi Flynn, as they have refused to add another point guard behind Dennis Schroder. Due to his inability to sustain any improvements, Flynn has become a popular target for the ire of large segments of this fanbase.

After some rough moments to begin the season, Flynn showed signs of turning things around. His terrific performance against Kyrie Irving and the previously unbeaten at-home Dallas Mavericks could be the turning point. Darko Rajakovic stuck by him, even passing along advice from Tom Brady.

Rajakovic shared an article with Flynn that discusses Tom Brady’s early days at the collegiate level as a backup quarterback with Michigan. After complaining about a lack of reps in practice, coach Lloyd Carr told him to make the most out of the opportunities he was given.

“I shared that article with Malachi,” Rajakovic said. “Don’t think about like, am I playing five minutes, seven minutes, 10 minutes…Go play defense, play the right way, set up your teammates, and then when you play in that rhythm without the pressure that you have to make shots.” This attitude might be all Flynn needs to finally stick in the pros.

More Raptors news

• Raptors 905 fell 123-120 to the Long Island Nets in their first game of the season, as Noah Clowney was too much to handle. Pitt alum Mouhamadou Gueye and Javon Freeman Liberty both had 26 points, while Ron Harper Jr. was right behind them with 25. Markquis Nowell stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, nine rebounds, 13 assists, and four steals.
• Precious Achiuwa is still dealing with a nagging injury, as his groin aliment has him officially designated as questionable ahead of Toronto’s first matchup against the Boston Celtics. Toronto could use him amid their struggles in defensive rebounding.

NBA news

• The Los Angeles Clippers fell to 0-3 since acquiring James Harden, as they allowed Luka Doncic to put up 44 points and the Mavericks to score 47 in the second quarter en route to a 144-126 victory. Time will tell if Ty Lue eventually finds a way to integrate Harden into the lineup without taking away from Kawhi Leonard.
• NBA.com’s MVP ladder has a familiar sound to it after a few weeks of the 2023-24 season, as Nikola Jokic is at the front of the pack with Joel Embiid coming in second place. Doncic currently occupies third place, with Jayson Tatum in fourth place and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rounding out the top five.

Will Flynn keep up this new positive run of form?

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