Utah Jazz NBA Draft Prospects: Malachi Flynn
Nov 16, 2020, 2:29 PM | Updated: Nov 18, 2020, 1:19 pm
San Diego State guard Malachi Flynn (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The NBA Draft is just days away, and the Utah Jazz will soon find themselves on the clock. With a strong starting lineup, but a lack of depth, the Jazz can use help at most any position. Today, we take a deeper look at San Diego State junior guard Malachi Flynn and how he would fit the Jazz if they were to select him with the 23rd pick.
The Jazz own just one pick in the draft after trading away their second-rounder for Kyle Korver in 2018.
Malachi Flynn: 6’1 185 lbs Guard – JR – San Diego State
17.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 44% FG/37% 3p/85% FT
Pros:
Like many point guards projected to be drafted late in the first round of the NBA draft, Malachi Flynn’s greatest strength comes in his ability to operate as an initiator in the pick and roll. Flynn displays excellent patience allowing the offense to unfold before making his decision on whether to find the rolling big man, attack the paint, or pull up for a jump shot.
The San Diego State junior can find a rolling big man with a variety of intelligent passes highlighting his understanding of angles on the NBA floor. As defenses adjust, Flynn is a more than capable shooter from both the three-point line where he knocked down 37 percent of his attempts as a junior or pulling up in the mid-range as his defender attempts to recover from over the screen.
New on YouTube: ESPN Film Session with San Diego State PG and projected 1st round pick, Malachi Flynn. https://t.co/k7THzUwrwV pic.twitter.com/qhRfYZwpW0
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) November 13, 2020
Additionally, Flynn is a dangerous threat as a spot-up shooter with range extending well beyond the NBA three-point line. Like many smaller guards, Flynn has also shown an ability to knock down floaters moving towards the rim.
On defense, Flynn is a disrupter on the ball with a knack for jumping passing lanes for easy baskets in transition. He doesn’t have elite length or quickness, but he clearly understands the rhythm of the opposing offense and how he can disrupt plays.
Flynn plays with a ton of confidence on the floor and has the traits of a good leader.
Cons:
The biggest question marks about Flynn’s game revolve around his size, where he stands just 6’1 with a 6’3 wingspan. He doesn’t just look small, he plays a small style of game.
The guard showed some ability to finish at the rim in the halfcourt but often preferred to rely on his mid-range game to carry the load. That doesn’t disqualify him from being an efficient scorer at the next level, but it will be more difficult against bigger, smarter defenders.
MALACHI. FLYNN.#GoAztecs pic.twitter.com/ZgPBfwO1mu
— San Diego State Men's Basketball (@Aztec_MBB) March 8, 2020
Flynn is excellent in the pick and roll but wasn’t able to generate a lot of space in isolation situations. He’s got less wiggle than one would expect for a guard his size and doesn’t have the straight-line speed of a Kira Lewis or RJ Hampton.
While he’ll certainly get stronger in the NBA, he won’t ever have elite strength, which teamed with his length will limit his defensive versatility.
Though he’s just a junior, Flynn transferred away from Washington State after his sophomore season and had to sit out a year before finishing his career after one year at San Diego State making him 22 years old heading into draft night.
How Would Flynn Fit with the Jazz in the NBA Draft?
With the uncertain future of both Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley, the Jazz could use additional depth in the backcourt, especially from a guard who plays as steady on both sides of the floor as Flynn does.
With his extra years of experience in college, Flynn could more realistically step in and help the Jazz for stretches next season than other younger guards projected towards the end of the first round of the draft.
Malachi Flynn isn't ready to go home yet.
NAILS the step-back 3. pic.twitter.com/yhRWUmgB0W
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) February 23, 2020
The Jazz lacked a younger on the ball defender in the postseason, an area where Flynn could give the Jazz some extra minutes while not compromising the team’s ability to space the floor on the other end.
However, with his smaller size, he might not be the idea future back partner for Donovan Mitchell if the Jazz do find themselves having to replace both Conley and Clarkson in the next 8 months.
Flynn is one of the safer picks towards the end of the first round and should have a long career as a rotational guard in the NBA.
Additional Prospect Breakdowns:
