Jonny Flynn now has a full week of his NBA career in the books. The former Niagara Falls high school and Syracuse University stand out made his NBA debut last Monday after being the sixth overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves over the summer.
The early reviews are mostly good. Minnesota is off to a 1-2 start; defeating New Jersey on opening night before suffering consecutive losses to Cleveland and Phoenix over the weekend.
For his part, Flynn is leading the Wolves in scoring at 15.3 points per game. It ranks him second only to Brandon Jennings (Milwaukee) at 20.5 points in rookie scoring average. He’s also shooting 47% from the field, has made 2 of his 4 three point attempts and has knocked down 14-of-16 free three attempts, all while averaging just under 25 minutes per game.
But it hasn’t been entirely smooth in the early going. Flynn’s only averaging 3.0 assists per game and he’s already turned the ball over 10 times. Part of the reason for the low assist, high turnover output is teammate’s not knocking down shots, and Flynn trying to too hard to make things happen.
It’s to be expected of a rookie point guard. A year ago he was lining up against often-good college competition. Now he takes the floor and has opposed the likes of Lebron James and Steve Nash in his brief time in the league.
The Cleveland game this past Friday was particularly a learning experience. Flynn held his own in playing against the Lebron-led Cavs, scoring 17 points. But he also turned the ball over five times to a suffocating Cleveland defense, and the Wolves were blown off their home court, 104-87.
Last night Flynn got his first taste of squaring off against an elite point guard. Nash scored 14 points and matched the total in assists, while Flynn only managed a season-low 11 points in just under 19 minutes of playing time.
Still, all things considered, Flynn is off to a promising start. Playing on a team most consider inferior to the majority of the league may make his task harder, but it’ll also help him grow as a player and leader.
Flynn will get three more games of experience over the next five nights. Minnesota travels to Los Angeles tonight to face the winless Clippers (0-4). He’ll then get up close and personal with Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics at home on Wednesday before meeting fellow rookie star Jennings and the Milwaukee Bucks Friday.
Look for reports from Buffalo Sports Daily Flynn follower Beth Hanigan throughout the week.
