POP Scouting Report: Don't Overlook Kay Felder

The Detroit Pistons hold the 18th and 49th pick in the 2016 NBA draft tonight. They have a gaping hole at the backup point guard position. There are multiple potential draftees that can play point guard and will be available come the 18th pick for Detroit. With potential names such as Tyler Ulis of Kentucky, Wade Baldwin Vanderbilt, and Demetrius Jackson of Notre Dame, there are many players Ford Detroit to select from. The problem? Detroit shouldn't take any of the players  listed above.

A hometown prospect from Michigan itself is who Detroit should be drafting tonight with the 18th or 49th pick. No, it's not Michigan State star player Denzel Valentine, but Oakland University’s Kay Felder. On a good day, Felder stands at an intimidating 5’9, but don’t let his size fool you.

Felder played three seasons at Oakland University. In his junior season at Oakland, Felder averaged more points per game than Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram. At Oakland, Felder averaged nearly a double-double in his junior year. Per game the average 24.4 points and 9.3 assists. He also averaged 4.3 rebounds and two steals per contest. He played 36 minutes per game.He shot 48.5% from the field, 35.5% from the 3-point line, and 85% from the free throw line. Felder was the best player in the Horizon League.

Felder was named the 2016 Horizon League Player of the Year. He was also a Wooden Award Finalist.

Last season, Detroit lacked that having a backup point guard that could lead the offense when Reggie Jackson was not on the floor. Felder, most certainly can do that. The common knocks on Felder is his lack of height and problems on the defensive end of the ball. Any any common basketball fan could look at her and tell you he has those problems. It is believed that because a player is short, that they struggle on defense. With older, that is not true. Felder has a good and strongly built body. He may be short but he is strong. Felder's body Allows him to deny opponents a lane to the basket. You can account Felder’s once in a while lapses on defense to him having such a large role in Oakland’s offense.

The Pistons need an offensive-minded point guard that can run the second unit. Kay Felder could be a reach at 18, but if he's the player that Detroit needs, then they would be smart to go get him.

Felder’s been overlooked his whole life, and it’s time for teams to stop doing so. Kay Felder is the real deal.

Featured image via: USA Today Sports