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Toronto Raptors: Kay Felder aiming to beat the odds

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Kay Felder #3 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Kay Felder #3 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors’ latest acquisition, Kay Felder, is a long-shot to make the opening-night roster, due to the logjam at point guard.

With Kawhi Leonard now on board, the Toronto Raptors have arguably their best opportunity yet to finally make it all the way to the NBA Finals. However, they continue to tweak their personnel to put themselves in an even stronger position.

The latest such move came on Monday, with the addition of Kay Felder. As reported by Sam Amick of USA Today, Felder has signed a one-year, partially guaranteed deal.

The 23-year-old makes for an interesting addition. He will compete in training camp for the Raptors’ 15th roster spot.

The odds, however, already seem to be stacked against Felder securing a place on the opening-night roster. There was already a logjam at the point guard position, before he even signed.

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Not that this will deter the Detroit, Michigan native from battling those odds and achieving his goal. If nothing else, he is supremely motivated to prove the doubters wrong.

Felder had a decent amount of exposure to the NBA during his rookie campaign, appearing in 42 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, this dropped to 16 games combined last season, with the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons.

The 2016 second round draft pick’s statistics don’t look particularly impressive, with career averages of 3.8 points, 1.3 assists and 1.0 boards. However, they are much more respectable per 36 minutes played, at 15.3, 5.3 and 4.0 respectively.

Of course, there is still the issue of Felder actually making the roster, never mind seeing any minutes on the court. And this is before we mention the ongoing doubts fueled by his size, or lack thereof.

All this might understandably make you wonder why the Raptors even signed the Atlanta Hawks draft pick, but he does have potential. He was considered one of the most dominant point guards during his final year in college, averaging 24.4 points, 9.3 dimes and 4.3 boards for the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.

This resulted in a whole host of accolades, including leading the NCAA in assists and being named the 2016 Horizon League Player of the Year. Now, it’s a case of Felder proving he is good enough to consistently contribute at the NBA level.

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What’s your take on the Toronto Raptors’ latest signing? What do you predict the chances are of Felder claiming the 15th roster spot? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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