The Cavaliers drafted Oakland University point guard Kay Felder 54th overall Thursday night with a pick purchased from the Atlanta Hawks, a league source confirmed to the Beacon Journal. The Cavs entered Thursday’s draft without a pick, but a source confirmed The Vertical's report that the Cavs paid $2.4 million to get one.
Felder measured 5-foot-9 1/2 without shoes at the combine. He is an undersized but athletic scorer who averaged 24.4 points and led the nation by averaging 9.3 assists as a junior. The fact the Cavs paid so much for the pick indicates he has a good chance to make the team.
The Cavs already have three point guards on the roster. Mo Williams is expected to pick up his option for next season, but Matthew Dellavedova is a restricted free agent who struggled throughout the postseason before eventually falling out of coach Tyronn Lue’s rotation during the Finals.
Cavs scout Brandon Weems, who is also a close associate to LeBron James, previously coached Felder while he was an assistant at Oakland.
Felder had 37 points, nine assists and just two turnovers in 43 minutes during a 99-93 overtime loss to the Michigan State Spartans in December.
The Cavs could be forced to carry four point guards, but they could have open spots at the bottom of the roster to do so. The Vertical first reported the Cavs' deal to obtain Felder.