Cedric Coward: Grizzlies’ Bluff & Content Writing Role

Chosen in 11th position during the last Draft, in June, Cedric Coward continues to be one of the best “first years” of the 2025 vintage. Preparing to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge, during the All-Star Weekend, and therefore vying for a place on the “All-Rookie Team” at the end of the season.

HAS Memphiswe do not fail in any case to give responsibility to the very seasoned rear of – already – 22 years old, both in attack (14 points on average, only Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. do better) as in defense.

And it is precisely defensively that he particularly seduces his coach: “ He is a unique defender for his position ” judge Tuomas Iisalo. « Basically, he’s a fullback, but he offers a lot in terms of circle protection, wingspan and defensive rebounding, the importance of which is often underestimated and neglected. »

Compared to Kawhi Leonard, a former double Defender of the Year with whom he plans to train during the summer, and who, like him, has gone under the radar, Cedric Coward is not always perfect in the field. But he learns and his team is especially better when he is there (+4.4 points differential in defense, with and without him).

The best is yet to come

« I got my butt kicked a few times but, at the same time, I also stood up to some guys pretty well. So we learn a lot of things at once » admits the former resident of Willamette University, Eastern Washington and Washington State on this subject.

The learning continues to go well for the Grizzlies player who, like any rookie, is far from being a finished product.

« Every rookie has a lot to learn » assures Tuomas Iisalo in this sense. “ He experienced a lot of success very quickly, but it is very important to remember that his best years are still well ahead of him. It’s a lifelong learning process and there’s no better way to learn than being thrown into the deep end, facing great players, being faced with different types of opposition. »

Not one to hide on a wooden floor, and eager “ not to repeat it twice » the same mistake when he is there, Cedric Coward is the nice surprise of Memphis’ lackluster season.

Where he says very comfortably: “ Be able to do [ce que je fais] and to see that the team believes in me to do it… It gives me even more confidence in myself » indicates the one who comes from a successful European experience (15 points on average at 55% shooting, with some good defensive sequences on Franz Wagner).

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.