Cleveland Cavaliers: Kay Felder and Eric Moreland Developing On Canton Charge

The Cleveland Cavaliers have used their ability to assign players to their NBA Development League affiliate, the Canton Charge, wisely. Two of these players, Kay Felder and Eric Moreland, consistently stand-out as NBA level talents in this setting. Here’s a recap of their most recent performances.

On January 14th, the Canton Charge played against the Los Angeles D-Fenders and lost in overtime, 122-118.

Kay Felder started off the game like a player who doesn’t get much playing time, headhunting for shots instead if trying to run an offense for the first couple of possessions. However, once he settled in, he showed a sustained effort to get into the defender’s bodies on layup attempts. While giving him space to shoot and pushing his defender under the rim, this move also allows him to draw more fouls. He was also consistent when hitting his pull-up midrange attempts.

On jump shots in general, Felder showed a special understanding of how to time his jumps so that when he releases the ball at his highest point, it’s unblockable.

Defensively, Felder struggled to keep up with his man or make any impact plays. His matchup scored 40 points. He was consistently caught on screens or unable to stop lane penetration in what was a disappointing game for him on the defensive end.

As he returns to the Cavs, Felder still show the ability to be a Nate Robinson-like spark off the bench. He needs to find a way to maximize his defensive potential. If he’s up to the challenge, it may be time to pickup players fullcourt. He has the athleticism to do it.

Eric Moreland shined more than Felder in their second game. In general, he played a smart game and was impressive in his ability to put the ball on the floor.

As a scorer, he looked like a guard with his swift movements and ability to drop in floaters, jumpers and even a three. With this performance, Moreland showed the Cleveland hopefuls his perimeter game should warrant additional conversation about his abilities to help the Cavs. Before, and in his next game, Moreland had been showing his development as low-post scorer with solid footwork, timing and the ability to get a shot off with either hand.

He was again a willing passer and it’s a skill that sets him apart from other faceup centers. He doesn’t have the passing acumen of a Nikola Jokic but he can find the open man and get the ball to them at a Tristan Thompson-like level, one of the underrated passers at the center position.

Defensively, he was active and contested the shots all over the floor. While occasionally giving up position to the 7-foot-1 and 265 pound Ivica Zubac, who was assigned to the NBA D-League by the Los Angeles Lakers, Moreland more than held his own in the matchup. He fronted Zubac in the post to prevent the entry pass. He, at times, outmuscled Zubac one-on-one in the post. He also made an effort to secure every rebound and loose ball around him.

His pick-and-roll coverage was beautiful, as he consistently “iced” Zubac by dropping back and keeping him in front of him as the ball-handler started to penetrate the lane.

It makes sense that he would follow up this game with a seven-block performance.

He was always around as a helpside defender and once he got in a shot-blocking rhythm, he was sending back opponents shots like the bouncer at the local dance club.

Moreland is a player who will get a NBA call-up sooner or later and the Cavs would be smart to add a low-risk, high-reward option on a minimum contact, if they choose to retain him after he plays out his two 10-day contracts. Felder is able to contribute to the Cavs if they need him to but his defense needs to improve for him to earn a rotation spot in the future.

What did you think of the Kay Felder and Eric Moreland’s performances for the Canton Charge? Let us know in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.