Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft — 21. Malachi Flynn, Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers don’t get Maxey, but there are worse consolation prizes than Malachi Flynn. An established college prospect turned useful rookie, Flynn has the kind of skill set Philly values in the second unit. He can hit 3s on the move, play with or without the ball, and defend the point of attack well.
At first glance, the numbers are a bit rough for Flynn, who was buried behind Lowry and Fred VanVleet in Toronto’s backcourt. He was largely inefficient as a rookie, but that’s common for guards. The way he plays the game is much more important. Flynn’s 3-point shot is bankable, despite his middling percentage, and he’s a fairly dynamic on-ball creator. He’s closer than some think to contributing on a good team.
For Philadelphia, someone who can hit a variety of different shots in the backcourt is essential. Flynn would have the luxury of sharing the playmaking burden with others (Ben Simmons, Shake Milton, etc.), allowing him to focus on the basics and hit some shots. The high points of Flynn’s season were really high. He averaged 7.5 points and 2.9 assists in 19.7 minutes.