The 2019-20 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year winner, Malachi Flynn had one of the best seasons in both school and conference history. In his lone year at San Diego State, Flynn averaged 17.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.5 RPG, 1.8 SPG, and 1.8 TOPG on shooting splits of 44/37/86. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Malachi Flynn
Height/Weight: 6’1/ 185
Wingspan/ standing reach: N/A
Hand size: N/A
Position: PG
College: San Diego State
Tools: P&R, shooting, IQ, defensive intensity
Pros:
- Excellent spot up shooter
- Outstanding P&R ball handler
- High IQ, careful player
- Good hands defensively
- High motor and doesn’t take plays off
Cons:
- Undersized at 6’1
- May be limited finishing at the rim vs athletic shot blockers
- Plays below the rim and is limited athletically
Overall:
Malachi Flynn serves an immediate role as a careful floor general that can also be easily play off-ball and pose a significant threat as a shooter. Flynn is a 3 level scorer, shooting 68% at the rim on the year, being a strong mid range shooter, and a great 3 point shooter. His ability to shoot in a variety of ways, including spot-up shooting, off-the-dribble shooting, and around screens make his shooting easy to project as successful in the NBA.
Despite being undersized and lacking high-end athleticism, Flynn still managed to be an elite college defender, earning the honor of the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. His defensive intensity and overall court awareness helped him be a strong team defender. If Flynn can continue to add strength, he has potential to be a positive on-ball defender as well due to his quick feet and active hands.
NBA Comparison: Floor: CJ Watson ; ceiling: Jose Calderon
Projected draft range: 21-38
Fit with Mavs/best fit:
It’s hard to see Flynn fitting with Dallas barring major roster changes prior to the draft. While theoretically, Rick Carlisle and Malachi Flynn are a match made in heaven, with Brunson and Delon Wright already capable backups, adding Flynn may cause redundancy, making him an awkward fit with the Mavericks currently. If Dallas does make a splash in the trade market with either, or both, point guards, Flynn could be an immediate day-one backup point guard.
Flynn is best suited for a team that needs an immediate backup point guard that can run the offense when the team’s primary initiator is off the floor. Flynn’s combination of shooting, pick & roll manipulation, and defensive neutrality make him an immediate backup point guard for any winning team.
Best fits:
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Miami Heat
- Utah Jazz
- LA Lakers
- Boston Celtics
Shot Chart:
