Undersized Boston guard Isaiah Thomas gives hope to OU’s

Vince Ellis, Detroit Free Press 8:49 a.m. EDT May 16, 2016

CHICAGO – Isaiah Thomas has become a patron saint for the little guy.

The Celtics guard has parlayed being a near­afterthought in the 2011 NBA into his first NBA All­Star Game appearance at Toronto in February.

His nifty scoring and quickness in a 5­foot­9 package has drawn fans across the NBA.

And his success helps small prospects Kay Felder (Oakland) and (Kentucky) believe they can find success in the top league in the world.

• Pistons meet with three top point guards at combine (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/05/13/detroit­pistons­nba­draft­combine/84346720/) (Photo: Mark L. Baer, USA TODAY Sports) • Rising cap suggests Drummond is worth the max deal (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/05/14/detroit­pistons­andre­drummond/84375738/)

“I feel like (the NBA is) getting smaller, it’s getting faster,” Ulis, a sophomore, said this week at the NBA draft combine.

“They’re playing (power forwards) at (). Draymond Green and the Warriors is a big part of that because they’re shooting the ball so well and Draymond is so versatile a player that the game is getting smaller, and with Isaiah Thomas doing what he’s doing, I feel like I fit in.”

Rule change

In the early 1990s, the Knicks were the poster children for a rough­and­tumble style of play that limited scoring and created an unappealing product. So the NBA instituted a series of rules adjustments to create a more free­flowing game.

The most significant could have been in 1994 when the league eliminated hand­checking. Defenders could no longer use their hands to redirect ball­ handlers.

“I think the rule change, as far as the hand­checking rule, changed everything,” Kings assistant general manager Ken Catanella said. “The value of players that can create their own shot, getting into the lane to create shots for others, is placed at a much higher premium in the last 10 years because of the rule change.

“When you had the hand­checking, it was that much more difficult for players to get in there and fight through that contact, whereas now, having that elite speed to create that first step to cause the defense to have to react and you read the defense and take what they give you, really is a very valuable trait.” Isaiah Thomas reached out to Oakland’s Kay Felder after the latter’s 37­point, 9­ game against Michigan State in December at the Palace. MSU prevailed in OT, 99­ 93. (Photo: Tim Fuller, USA TODAY Sports)

Size is important — just not as important.

And Thomas has taken advantage of the situation.

• Pistons could look to copy Oklahoma City's twin tower lineup (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/05/14/detroit­pistons­could­look­copy­ oklahoma­citys­twin­tower­lineup/84385128/)

• NBA mock draft: Pistons take Gonzaga big man (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/05/11/nba­mock­draft­detroit­pistons­domantas­ sabonis/84235598/)

The last pick of the 2011 draft by the Kings, Thomas had another stop in Phoenix before emerging as one of the league’s top point guards with the Celtics.

Ulis, a 5­9 prospect, and Felder, the 5­9 former standout at Detroit Pershing, have noticed.

Big inspiration

Ulis, who met with the Pistons last week, said he’s received advice from Thomas. Ulis is a projected first­rounder, and the Pistons have the 18th pick.

Kentucky sophomore Tyler Ulis at the 2016 NBA draft combine. He is projected to go in the Pistons' range in June's draft. Detroit picks 18th and is looking to add a backup point guard. (Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast, )

“It’s very inspirational because what he’s doing on the next level is crazy, it’s unbelievable,” Ulis said. “Nobody thought he would do it. He was the 60th pick in the draft. He talks about how he proves people wrong. He acknowledges it and I feel like it’s a great thing for me to see.” Golden Grizzlies Follow @GoldenGrizzlies

Y'all surprised @2kayzero had the 2nd highest vertical leap in @NBADraft Combine history? #Nope #Bounce #WEARtheBEAR 2:38 PM - 13 May 2016 · Auburn Hills, MI, 84 117

Thomas reached out to Felder after the latter’s 37­point game against Michigan State. Felder, who left Oakland after his junior season, impressed physically at the combine with a 6­21/2 wingspan and a max vertical leap of 44 inches (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2016/05/12/kay­felder­ nba­draft/84276038/).

Felder’s draft prospects are unclear. But he knows the success of Thomas and another smallish point guard — the Hornets’ — have helped pave the way.

“People are definitely giving me a chance,” Felder said. “I used to hear about the height thing all the time. Now I’m just rarely hearing about it, although it’s still in the back of their minds, but I barely hear about your height or anything like that.

“I always hear about comparisons to other guys who are small, but having success.”

• is rising quickly, perhaps out of Pistons’ reach (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/05/13/detroit­pistons­henry­ellenson­ nba­draft/84358902/)

• Pistons must cast wider net in 2016 NBA draft (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/05/13/detroit­pistons­nba­draft­ prospects/84358952/) prospects/84358952/)

• Pistons are in enviable position relative to some East foes (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/05/05/detroit­pistons­roster/83960498/)

Contact Vince Ellis: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56 (http://www.twitter.com/vincent_ellis56).

Download our Pistons Xtra app on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pistons­xtra/id1052766984) or Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gannett.dolly.Pistons)!

Draft facts

When: 7 p.m., June 23.

Where: Barclays Center, .

TV: ESPN.

Pistons’ pick: First round —No. 18; Second round — No. 49.

Small ball

There were just three players at the NBA draft combine who were measured at 6 feet tall or shorter without shoes:

PLAYER POS SCHOOL HT WT

Kay Felder PG Oakland 5­81/4 177.2

Tyler Ulis PG Kentucky 5­83/4 149.2

Demetrius PG Notre Dame 6­0 193.8 Jackson