John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Kay Felder – Cleveland’s New Go-To Little Man off the Bench
Spud Webb and Muggsy Bogues were once two point guards who became fan favorites simply because of their minute stature. Sticking out from the rest of their six-foot-and-over teammates, they had to use every inch of their body to survive the rigorous 1980’s and 1990’s NBA war zone.
Then, there was Earl Boykins and Nate Robinson, and now, Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas. Sure, there were more players who stood under 6’0”, but these five names have made notable impacts on the court, disregarding their height.
The Cleveland Cavaliers stole 5’9” stud Kay Felder with the 54th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft with hopes of finding a valuable player in the late rounds. Yesterday, Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters Felder has earned the team’s backup point guard role playing behind Kyrie Irving.
“Right now we’ll say he’s going to be our backup point guard for right now,” head coach Tyronn Lue said. “Kay [Felder] has been great. He’s picking up the plays, picking up the terminology. It’s a different game than college and we know that,” Lue finished.
Cleveland–coming off a 57-25 championship-winning season–lost two valuable point guards in Matthew Dellavedova and Mo Williams this offseason. Felder, 21, is hungry, and ready for the challenge Cleveland has put on the table.
Felder has already turned heads in the preseason with his higher energy, exciting playstyle. Felder has averaged 10.4 points and 4.3 assists in 25.0 minutes per game in five preseason games for the reigning champs.
Felder had an impressive college career at Oakland which went severely unnoticed. Felder averaged 24.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.3 rebounds in 36.7 minutes per game in his junior year (2015-16). He shot 43% from the field, and knocked down three-pointers at a 36% clip. He led the NCAA in assists last season.
Though he seems equipped for the role, Cleveland still may bring in a backup point guard who has more experience than Felder. Regardless, Felder has a ton of talent, and will be extremely entertaining to watch alongside LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and the reigning champs.
Drafted 54th overall, Kay Felder has already proven Cleveland should be put behind bars for theft.
