Toronto Raptors: 3 things to know about Malachi Flynn

2. Flynn is an elite defender

If there is one thing Nick Nurse demands of his players, it’s that they need to put the same focus and attention on both sides of the ball. This is probably why Flynn’s defensive IQ put him on their radar.

Considering the way the depth chart looks, Flynn will need to earn his spot in Toronto’s rotation. Seeing that he has similar traits to Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet, the 22-year-old will need to find different ways to stand out.

Speaking to Hoops Hype before the draft, Flynn explained his defensive mentality that made him one of the best in his conference.

"“For me, it’s about being really tough-minded and knowing what guys want to do and then trying to take that away from them. I just try to make them go to their weaknesses as a defender,” Flynn said. “I know that I am not the biggest or strongest so I’m going to have to give up something. So for me, it’s just knowing what they want to do, being in the right spots, and at the end of the day, just being super tough on that end and not giving up anything easy.”"

While there is skill involved in being a good defender, effort is a big part of it as well. Seeing the value of defence gave Toronto a chance in their series against the Boston Celtics when you consider how OG Anunoby played.