Former first-round pick makes case for NBA return with strong G League play

Less than a year ago, Malachi Flynn etched his name into NBA history with a remarkable 50-point performance, tying him for the second-highest point total ever scored by a player coming off the bench. 

Fast forward to today, the 26-year-old guard finds himself out of the league entirely, battling to reignite his professional basketball career in the G League.

Flynn, selected 29th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, initially showed promise as a reliable contributor off the bench. Despite multiple G League assignments during his time in Toronto, he built a reputation as a capable backup guard.

However, his career took a turn when he was traded to the New York Knicks in December 2023 as part of a blockbuster deal involving O.G. Anunoby and RJ Barrett. 

Flynn’s stint in New York was short-lived, as he was subsequently dealt to the Detroit Pistons a few months later. Following his release from Detroit, his NBA future became uncertain.

This past offseason, Flynn signed a training camp deal with the San Antonio Spurs, hoping to secure a spot on their opening-day roster. Despite his efforts, he was waived before the season began and subsequently joined the Spurs' G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs.

In Austin, he has been making the most of his opportunity. Through 13 games, the 6-foot-1 guard is averaging 21.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game. 

Flynn kicked off the season with an explosive 35-point outing on Nov. 8, adding seven assists and four steals while connecting on six three-pointers. His 37 made threes during the G League’s Tip-Off Tournament ranked 25th in the league, highlighting his offensive capabilities.

The former NBA guard's strong G League production positions him as a prime candidate for an NBA call-up. As the season progresses, teams outside of playoff contention often turn to 10-day contracts to evaluate talent for the future. 

Flynn’s G League contract allows him the flexibility to sign with any NBA team, not just the Spurs, increasing his chances of a return to the big stage.

Throughout his career, Flynn has faced challenges with consistency and playing time. His historic 50-point game was followed by a dismal three-point performance on 0-for-12 shooting, epitomizing the fluctuations that have defined his journey. 

Combined with the instability caused by trades and roster moves, these inconsistencies have hindered his ability to solidify a role in the league.

Yet, Flynn remains undeterred. With his sights set on returning to the NBA, he continues to sharpen his skills and prove his worth in the G League, determined to achieve the stability and impact he’s long sought in his professional career.