Milwaukee Bucks 2020 NBA Draft: Malachi Flynn a viable option at pick 24

Milwaukee Bucks 2020 NBA Draft: Looking at Malachi Flynn’s strengths

Two things arguably stick out most about Flynn upon an initial viewing, those being his shooting prowess and ability to dominate in the pick-and-roll game.

In terms of shooting, Flynn made 37.3 percent of his 204 3-point attempts last season. He also ranked in the top 22 percent of all college basketball players in 3-point scoring, according to points per possession via Synergy Sports.

He can get to his jumper both off-the-catch and off-the-dribble. Flynn’s release is smooth, quick and controlled. He also has great footwork and lower body control, which helps him when shooting off of the bounce.

The proof is in the pudding of Synergy’s shot type statistics as Flynn tallied 1.189 points per possession on catch-and-shoot situations, ranking in the top 17 percent of all college players. On shots taken off the bounce, Flynn totaled 0.945 points per possession, a number that ranked him in the top 19 of D-1 players.

In terms of his pick-and-roll game, Flynn is just as impressive, if not more, than e is as a shooter. He has every tool one can ask for from a ball handling, pick-and-roll maestro. He is as manipulative as he is patient. He has a tight and flexible handle. He can punish defenders whether they go over or under the screen, thanks to his ability to score from any spot on the floor.

Again, according to Synergy Sports, Flynn ranked in the top 4 percent (yes, the top 4 percent) of all college basketball players in pick-and-roll efficiency. Arguably, however, the best part of his pick-and-roll productivity has not even been mentioned yet, which is his playmaking ability, even as he only averaged 5.1 assists per games for the 2019-20 season.

Flynn is as safe of a playmaker, especially in the pick-and-roll, as one can find at 22 years old. He led the Mountain West Conference with a 2.84 assist-to-turnover ratio, thanks to his ability to pick apart defenses and do a little bit of everything as a passer, all while securing the ball in his hands.

He can pass with either hand, excels at using fakes to create advantages and he waits till the last millisecond to make a decision. Flynn’s old coach at San Diego State, Brian Dutcher, said it best to Chris Dortch of NBA.com back in July:

"“In the NBA, you have got to play with others and know where the open man is. And Malachi knows where everybody is.”"

This upcoming offseason, the Bucks will likely be looking to add as much shooting ability and playmaking ability as possible. That is exactly what Flynn possesses, and why he is not only worth a look, but also potentially a selection at pick 24. That is, if his weaknesses do not scare too much.