Raptors draft San Diego State G Malachi Flynn 29th overall
TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Raptors selected 6-foot-1 San Diego State guard Malachi Flynn 29th overall in the NBA draft Wednesday night.
The Raptors face some uncertainty at point guard. Toronto hopes to re-sign free agent Fred VanVleet, while six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry, now 34, has one year remaining on his contract.
Flynn began his college career with two seasons at Washington State before playing his junior season with the Aztecs. He averaged 15.8 points per game in his final season with the Cougars, and boosted that to 17.6 points as a junior, adding 5.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds.
San Diego State went 30-2 with Flynn last season, including a 17-1 record in conference play. Flynn was named Mountain West Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year.
Toronto last picked in the first round in 2017, when it chose forward OG Anunoby 23rd overall.
The Raptors also hold the 59th overall pick.
Toronto’s “top priority” in this frenetic offseason is re-signing VanVleet, general manager Bobby Webster said in a pre-draft conference call Tuesday.
The Raptors also face free agent decisions with big men Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.