Indiana Pacers: Five Possible Second Round Options
By Kyle Nishida
Point Guard Kay Felder
Kahlil “Kay” Felder is relatively unknown to most people outside NBA draft circles. However, this scoring point guard could be a solid addition for the Pacers with the 50th overall pick.
The three-year starter out of Oakland University in Detroit, Michigan is garnering second round interest from NBA teams. In his career with the Grizz, Felder averaged 17.5 points, 7.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Felder became a really intriguing NBA prospect after his amazing junior season. He recorded 24.4 points, 9.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and two steals per game in his final collegiate season. His stellar season earned the Horizon League Player of the Year award and third-team All-American honors.
Unfortunately, the one issue with Felder is his size. He is listed as 5-9, but he probably is shorter than that. Regardless of who it is, it is hard to be a short point guard in the NBA, especially one well below six-feet tall.
CBS Sports’ Sam Vecenie believes Felder is a talented player, but his lack of height is a serious liability.
"“Over the last 11 years, only two players — Nate Robinson and Isaiah Thomas — under 5-10 have made an NBA impact. Maybe Felder can be next, but the odds are stacked against him. Still, I wouldn’t necessarily bet against him carving out some sort of role at the next level.”"
Vecenie brings up a good point. Players like Isaiah Thomas and Nate Robinson have shown that short point guards can survive in the league. It just takes the right individual.
While Felder can shoot jump shots off the dribble and finish at the rim, his greatest trait is his competitiveness. He hates to lose. He was mad after he found out his 44-inch vertical jump at the NBA combine was not the best all-time.
"“I’m kind of mad. Second place is the first loser… I hate to lose. It just kills me. If you’re not competitive, you’re in it for the wrong reasons. I just go all out and leave it all out there.”"
With the Pacers, Felder could earn a role off the bench because of his scoring ability. The Pacers will utilize an up-tempo style of offense next season, which would obviously give Felder a better chance at succeeding with them.
Unfortunately, there are legitimate defensive concerns about him. The Pacers would have to find a way to account for Felder’s lack of size whenever he is the game. As a result, there is also a strong chance he will have a limited role if he joins this team.
Felder has very good offensive skills, but the Pacers need to determine his lack of size is worth gambling on. Short guards rarely last in the league, but the ones that have survived, like Robinson and Thomas, turned out to be pretty good players.
Next: PG / SG Tyrone Wallace