Malachi Flynn Bio
Malachi Emmanuel Flynn is an American professional basketball player for Bahçeşehir Koleji of the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi and the EuroCup. He played college basketball for the Washington State Cougars and the San Diego State Aztecs. He was selected 29th by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft. Flynn is known for his exceptional skills as a point guard and has made significant contributions to his teams throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Malachi Flynn was born on May 9, 1998, in Tacoma, Washington. He is the youngest of seven children in his family. Flynn’s early life was marked by a passion for basketball, which he pursued throughout his youth. He attended Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma, where he began to develop his skills on the court. During his freshman year, Flynn stood at 5 feet 2 inches, but he experienced a growth spurt that brought him to his current height of 6 feet 1 inch. His dedication to the sport and hard work paid off as he became a standout player in high school.
As a senior at Bellarmine Prep, Flynn averaged an impressive 29.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including The News Tribune’s All-Area player of the year and the Class 4A player of the year by the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association. Flynn’s high school success set the stage for his transition to college basketball, where he would continue to excel.
Path to Basketball
After high school, Malachi Flynn initially committed to the University of the Pacific but later reopened his recruitment. Ultimately, he signed with the Washington State Cougars in April 2016. During his freshman year at Washington State, Flynn made an immediate impact, scoring 27 points in a game against Utah Valley, which ranks among the top performances for a Cougar freshman. He averaged 9.7 points per game while shooting 38.7 percent from three-point range.
Flynn’s sophomore season saw him increase his scoring average to 15.8 points per game, solidifying his role as a key player on the team. Following his sophomore year, he transferred to San Diego State University, where he continued to shine. In his redshirt junior season, Flynn was named the preseason Mountain West Player of the Year and delivered standout performances, including a career-high 36 points in a game against Nevada. His success at San Diego State culminated in multiple awards, including Mountain West Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2020, before declaring for the NBA draft.
Malachi Flynn Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Malachi Flynn was selected with the 29th pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors, making him the first San Diego State player to be drafted in the first round since Kawhi Leonard. He made his NBA debut on December 23, 2020, against the New Orleans Pelicans. Flynn’s early career was marked by a series of assignments to the Raptors’ G League affiliate, the Raptors 905, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience.
On April 10, 2021, Flynn scored a then career-high 20 points and recorded 11 assists in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He continued to build on this success, earning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors for April 2021. Flynn’s ability to perform under pressure and contribute to his team’s success was evident as he consistently improved his game during his time with the Raptors.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
In December 2023, Flynn was traded to the New York Knicks, where he continued to develop as a player. His time with the Knicks was brief, as he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in February 2024. Flynn made headlines on April 3, 2024, when he scored a career-high 50 points against the Atlanta Hawks, tying him for the second-highest points scored by a player coming off the bench in NBA history. This remarkable achievement showcased his scoring prowess and solidified his reputation as a rising star in the league.
Following his stint with the Pistons, Flynn joined the Austin Spurs in October 2024 and later signed with the Charlotte Hornets in February 2025. His journey took another turn when he signed with Bahçeşehir Koleji of the Basketbol Süper Ligi on June 1, 2025. Flynn’s transition to international play has opened new opportunities for him to showcase his skills on a global stage.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Malachi Flynn has received several accolades, including being named to the All-NBA G League First Team in 2025 and the All-NBA G League Second Team in 2021. He was also recognized as a member of the NBA G League All-Rookie Team in 2021. Flynn’s college achievements include being a Consensus second-team All-American and the Mountain West Player of the Year in 2020.
Malachi Flynn Award Nominations
Malachi Flynn has received numerous nominations throughout his career, particularly during his time in college and in the NBA G League. His consistent performance has earned him recognition among his peers and coaches alike.
Malachi Flynn Awards Won
Flynn has achieved significant milestones in his basketball career, including several prestigious awards. He was named to the All-NBA G League First Team in 2025 and the All-NBA G League Second Team in 2021. Additionally, he received accolades such as the Consensus second-team All-American and the Mountain West Player of the Year in 2020.
Malachi Flynn Family
Information regarding Malachi Flynn’s family background is limited. He is known to be the youngest of seven children, which has contributed to his competitive spirit and drive to succeed in basketball.
Personal Life
Details about Malachi Flynn’s personal life remain private, with no publicly available information regarding his marital status or relationships. His focus on basketball and dedication to his craft have been evident throughout his career.