Comments on: Meet Mr. Flynn, The “Lottery Man”

By: Casey

Casey — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:53:47 +0000

I don’t know what is more amusing. The fact that Minnesota stockpiled picks for what is supposed to be the weakest draft in 20 years (subject to discussion). Or what they did with those picks. Yikes!!!!And what did they get in return for Lawson? A gym bag and a bunch of balls? I hope they at least received some inflating needles.

By: Rey

Rey — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:48:52 +0000

You do that, Casey. I’m heading to Minnesota. Gonna submit my paperwork to be the new GM of the Timberwolves. Four PGs with four picks only to trade one and basically waste the other because Nick Calathes has already signed a contract with a Greek team? Yeah – I think I have a shot.

By: Casey

Casey — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:47:27 +0000

That’s it. I’m heading to Sacramento. Gonna get my vendor’s license and open a falafel stand.

By: Casey

Casey — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:30:08 +0000

Carolina guys taking a Dukie at 12 – I love it!!!!!

By: Rey

Rey — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:05:50 +0000

Flynn goes to Minnesota along with Ricky Rubio. Wow. Two very different prospects at point. They said they will keep both players. Wonder how they will adjust because these guys can’t be on the floor at the same time all the time. Very interesting for the Wolves.

Saw what you were talking about, Doug, concerning the demeanor of Flynn. He just seems to love the game and appreciate everything he has.

By: Doug Potter

Doug Potter — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:57:03 +0000

I think we’ve pretty much nailed it with Flynn. He has all the upside in the world (as do many of the first rounders) but his decision-making and around the rim ballskills need work. However, don’t look past the fact that Flynn is probably the most mentally tough player in this draft. His mental makeup is very solid. The team that drafts him will get a hard-working, mature ball player who has a good head on his shoulders basketball wise, Off the court, nearly all of the incoming rookies will have decision-making issues, but when it comes to basketball, Flynn will continue to get better due to his great work rate.

By: Rey

Rey — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:55:36 +0000

Great post, Doug! I was in the process of writing my own post on Flynn, but Casey told me you were. I have some stats left over I’d still like to share.

I think these pre-draft workouts are over-emphasized with NBA teams. If I need a PG, I’m watching game film and skipping the workouts. Flynn was often times erratic in his decision making. The game at Pitt was a perfect example. Levance Fields backed off of him all game. Flynn ceased from attacking the lane and settled for jumpers because he had space. He made only three field goals all game I believe and Pitt won easily.

For as quick and atheltic as he is, he usually can’t decide what he wants to do until it’s too late sometimes. I’d love to know how many of his assists came from kicking back out to Rautins and Devendorf. If Flynn got deep into the lane, it seemed like he was forcing up a shot. He shot 32% from 3 this year. A statistics company figured his finishing percentage around the rim to be 54%. That’s terrible, especially when you should be dishing down there a majority of the time anyway.

There’s no doubt Flynn will have a long NBA career because of everything Doug points out. He’s great in the open floor with the dribble, he’s as explosive a player as there is. But, I don’t see Flynn ever being the 1 on a championship caliber team or having such an impact that he has to be on the floor in all late game situations in a playoff series.

It’s almost like Flynn can’t stand not being the Alpha-guard at times. Unfortunately he’s only 6′, so he’s a PG whether he likes it or not.

By: Casey

Casey — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:37:42 +0000

I (along with the rest of the living, breathing basketball world) gained much respect for Flynn last March. Thing is, many folks were not watching during Flynn’s meltdowns. His success in the NBA drastically depends upon where he lands. I pray he doesn’t get sent to the purgatory (Clippers are hell) known as Sacramento. He will spend the extent of his first contract mired in frustration.

On the other hand, if Flynn falls to Milwaukee at #10? Hmmmmm? That could be interesting with the new veterans the Bucks recently acquired. Flynn could benefit from playing with Bowen and Thomas. They could guide him.

It will be interesting to see how Flynn’s athleticism converts to the NBA. Yeah, he could blow by guys in college. He is going to see guys as gifted as himself EVERY night. And if they are not gifted, they will be crafty. Flynn may blow by Derek Fisher during a game in November. But come crunch time? It’s not happening. Speed kills – Flynn may find himself getting into spots because of his speed that he has no idea how to manipulate.

Flynn can bring a deft shooting touch to the table. That creates an added attraction. What if he was around at #14 and the Suns took him? I can see him on the floor at the same time with Nash. He can stick the three and open the floor. At the same time he can be groomed as a point guard. Nash is 35.

Of course, Flynn would work well in Don Nelson’s system – Warriors have the 7th pick.

Or the 76ers at 17. Flynn working with Miller, Iguodala, and Brand. Wow!

By: Wally

Wally — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:57:19 +0000

Good post, Doug. Flynn is pretty short … do you think that factor will get in the way of NBA stardom? I don’t know that he has the springs to compensate for that. Nor do I think he’s got the outside shot. I’m skeptical.