2016 NBA Draft: Potential second-round sleepers

1 of 4

Dec 30, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) and forward Isaiah Wilkins (21) knock the ball away from Oakland Golden Grizzlies guard Kay Felder (20) during the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 71-58. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2016 NBA Draft is approaching, so what sleepers might be available in the second-round?

If anyone knows a thing or two about the second round of the NBA Draft, it’s Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green.

The former Michigan State big man was selected 35th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2012 NBA Draft. After an up-and-down rookie campaign and an inconsistent second season, Green is now generally regarded as a top 10 player in the league, and as the heart and soul of the record-breaking, 73-win Warriors.

Now, Green himself is offering his opinion on sleeper’s in this year’s NBA Draft.

Why don't these top writers/analysts like @chadfordinsider not talk about a guy like Kay Felder? Is that too far outside the box?
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) May 12, 2016

Like an Isaiah Thomas or Jae crowder or myself? Does going outside outside the box make them lose credibility? Or can they just not see it?
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) May 12, 2016

The Kay Felder suggestion is an interesting one, and he’s has said that he draws motivation from Thomas’ unlikely success story.

On paper, the comparison makes sense. Thomas stood at 5’8″ coming out of college at Washington, and Felder comes out of Oakland at 5’9″. Felder’s college stats were much more impressive, averaging 24 points and nine assists compared to Thomas’ 16 points and six assists during his junior year at Washington.

But still, it’s not that simple. If it was as simple as just comparing a couple of guys’ college stats, there would be no NBA Draft sleepers.

Felder still checks every other box. His vertical at this week’s NBA Draft Combine was the second-highest in the history of the combine. Felder’s 6’2 1/2″ wingspan is about an inch longer than Thomas’. Also, athletically and physically, he bests Thomas.

Felder is clearly a sleeper, as teams will look at his size and downgrade him based on the level of competition he faced at Oakland.

In that case, let’s take a look at some other potential second-round sleepers.

Next: Damion Lee

Home/Louisville Cardinals