Malachi Flynn was was traded twice this season. First from the Toronto Raptors to the New York Knicks and then to the Detroit Pistons.
Originally coming to Toronto under former head coach Nick Nurse, he struggled to find minutes. Flynn was finally given an opportunity under current head coach Darko Rajakovic.
In 31 games with the Raptors, he averaged 5.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 40.9 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. He showed moments, but struggled to stay consistent and ultimately fell out of the rotation prior to being traded.
Now on a rebuilding Pistons team, he is once again getting another opportunity. On Wednesday night in Atlanta taking on the Hawks, Flynn dropped 50 points:
Malachi Flynn just dropped 50 POINTS off the bench 🤯🔥
50 PTS
18-25 FG
6 REB
5 AST
5 STL pic.twitter.com/qSUz4WRe6L— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 4, 2024
A certainly surprising 50-point performance, but it is great to see a former Raptor succeed. With restricted free agency looming for Flynn, this is a great chance for him to cash in on a new contract.
His shooting splits have increased to career-high status, granted it is a small sample size. In 18 minutes, Flynn is averaging 8.2 points, 2 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 48.6 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three.
However, he is not the only former Raptor experiencing success. Precious Achiuwa, now on the Knicks, put up 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks on 8-for-13 from the field in his return to Toronto.
Another name is Dalano Banton, a former draft pick of the Raptors walked in free agency this past summer. Banton signed with the Boston Celtics and then was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
In 25 games, starting 7 in Portland, Banton is averaging 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 42.3 percent shooting from the field and 35.6 percent from three.
Malachi Flynn appears on Run It Back
Flynn appeared on FanDuel’s Run It Back and he was asked if having a 50 ball in an NBA game allows him to stick it to his former teams Toronto and New York:
I would say yeah, but more for me…just kind of showing myself that I can do some of those things, I don’t think it’s a fluke in any way.”
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