After a slow start during the preseason, rookie Cedric Coward has quickly shown why the Grizzlies were so high on him entering the 2025 draft. Memphis traded a future first-round pick and two second-rounders in order to move up five spots from No. 16 to draft Coward at No. 11 overall.
The 22-year-old wing, who earned praise from his coaches and teammates during training camp, averaged an extremely efficient 15.0 points per game over his first two contests. And in Saturday’s victory over Indiana, Coward erupted for 27 points (on 9-of-13 shooting), six rebounds and four assists in just 24 minutes.
“It’s just been waiting to happen,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said, per Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal (subscription required). “He’s making those shots in practice and knocking them down at a high clip. Great free throw shooter, like, all the signs are there.”
As Sharon Brown of The Memphis Flyer writes, Coward doesn’t act or play like a rookie, with an even-keeled demeanor, “quiet confidence,” and excellent work ethic — traits that should serve him well over a long season.
“It’s super important,” Coward said of his poised demeanor. “We’ve got 82 of these things, plus playoffs … You have to take the highs and the lows the same. You can’t just do it one time and be satisfied.”
We have more from Memphis:
- In addition to Coward, backcourt injuries have also created an opportunity for rookie guard Javon Small, writes Michael Wallace of Grizzlies.com. “He’s worked extremely hard to learn a ton of things in a short amount of time,” Iisalo said of Small, who is on a two-way contract. “He’s doing a great job. He listens. He just absorbs. He has a confidence that really works for us, and he’s become big-time for us in a situation that we really needed him.”
- Star point guard Ja Morant used to be mentioned as one of the future faces of the league until off-court incidents and injuries changed the trajectory of his career, but he tells Nick Friedell of The Athletic he was never interested in filling the role. “There’s a lot that comes with that,” Morant said. “I play basketball for the love of the game, not to be the face of the NBA. Obviously, I hear that a lot. I don’t put no pressure on it. I just go out and just play my game. Me pretty much just going out there and doing that had me in those conversations. Obviously, people have their own opinions, but I really don’t care for it too much.”
- The Grizzlies signed center Charles Bassey to a 10-day hardship contract on Monday. Iisalo praised the Nigerian big man’s rebounding prowess and said he’ll get a chance to play for Memphis at some point, as Cole relays (via Twitter). “He will get his opportunity,” Iisalo said of Bassey. “Whether that comes today or in the future games, that remains to be seen.”
Clarke, Konchar and two or three 2nds to Chicago for Nikola Vucevic
Not happening, both of them are $18M combined for next season. Objective for us is to trade Vu and get picks in return with expiring deals. We have $93M coming off the books this season so probably get a better package deal then those two.
I wouldn’t do it if I was the Bulls but it’s what Memphis needs.
If I was Chicago I would collect draft picks and tank. I would blow it up. They need a top 3 pick
I honestly don’t see a trade for Memphis (currently) that allows them to get what you are speaking about. Maybe in a month or so, but right now the market looks virtually non-existent, at least for me.
What would you do if you were the Bulls management?
Honestly speaking?
1) Trade Ayo right now (his value will never be higher). He’s built to help a team ready to CONTEND for a title, not a stupid play in game year after year. He’s a FA after this year and likely will be around the $18-25M range, that’s too much for him. He can help teams like Spurs, Knicks, Rockets and a few other teams.
2) See how Coby/Giddey play next to each other for the next 75+ games or whatever. I don’t believe Coby is worth $35M, but this front office will pay him like one because it’s what they do best.
3) Hold out for Huerter/Collins, both of them have true value like Ayo, both are on expiring deals. They need to be flipped and a team like 76ers who can use Collins if Embiid gets hurt again.
4) Trade Vu, obviously won’t get anything meaningful back but they have no true backup center at the moment lmao. Send him to a team that has a defensive minded center and they just need his scoring, think Clippers.
5) Tre Jones is intriguing to me, he’s resigned 3/24M but he’s playing well above that contract at the moment. He’s shown he can earn and play meaningful starter minutes and provide a good backup PG or 6th man role. Tons of teams need a guy like him for their 2nd unit who want to win now. I wouldn’t trade him just yet, but he’s def on my list of guys that have positive trade value for this team, which is really on a short list of guys.
Off subject….the effort in particular on the defensive end this season overall thus far is worse than I’ve seen. That’s saying something. Dudes just going through the motions. Not engaged, just collecting cheques.
Reason they traded Bane. Is cause they had Wells and were looking at Coward. Both these guys have size. And are 2way talents. Grizz just need time. Get Edey back and just let their young guys play. The Grizz will be tough in playoffs. They need time to jell.