cedric coward

Cedric Coward: The Memphis Grizzlies Rookie Lighting Up the NBA

In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, rookies rarely make an immediate impact. But Cedric Coward, the 21-year-old forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, is defying expectations. With electrifying performances, a sharp three-point shot, and a defensive intensity that’s turning heads, Coward is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about newcomers in the NBA.

While official details about his rise remain limited, verified game stats and standout moments from his early career are painting a picture of a player with serious potential. For Aussie hoops fans who’ve seen the likes of Patty Mills and Josh Giddey make their mark in the league, Coward’s emergence is another reason to stay glued to the NBA action.

Recent Updates: From Debut to Breakout

Coward’s NBA journey is still in its infancy, but the early returns are impossible to ignore. Here’s a breakdown of his most notable moments so far, based on verified game reports:

October 2024: A Flawless Debut

In his first official NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Coward didn’t miss a single shot. He finished with 14 points (5-of-5 FG, 4-of-4 FT), three rebounds, two steals, and a block in just 22 minutes. The performance was so efficient that Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo singled him out for praise, particularly highlighting his defensive effort (source: verified game report).

"His defensive performance was even more encouraging than the scoring," Iisalo said post-game. "He’s got instincts, and he plays with a maturity beyond his years."

November 2024: A 27-Point Masterclass

Just weeks later, Coward delivered his breakout performance against the Indiana Pacers. In a 128-103 victory, he dropped 27 points, shooting 9-of-13 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from three-point range. He also added six rebounds, four assists, and a steal in only 24 minutes.

The performance caught the attention of teammate Ja Morant, who took to social media to hype up the rookie:

"Cedric is special. The way he moves without the ball, his shot, his defense—he’s gonna be a problem for years."

The game also made Coward one of only five players in NBA history to hit six three-pointers without a miss in a single game as a rookie (source: Basketball-Reference).

Fantasy Basketball Darling

His early success has made him a hot commodity in fantasy basketball leagues. Analysts at Rotoworld have flagged him as a "strong play" for weekend lineups, citing his high efficiency and increasing role in Memphis’ rotation (source: Rotoworld).

Contextual Background: Who Is Cedric Coward?

Before joining the NBA, Coward’s path was far from the typical blue-chip recruit story. Unlike most rookies, he didn’t come from a high-profile college program. Instead, he played for Willamette University (D-III), then transferred to Eastern Washington, and finally landed at Washington State—a journey that underscores his underdog status.

The College Years

• Willamette (2020-21): Played limited minutes but showed flashes of his scoring ability.
• Eastern Washington (2021-23): Became a key contributor, averaging 11.5 PPG in his second season.
• Washington State (2023-24): Took a leap, averaging 14.8 PPG and 6.8 RPG while shooting 38.5% from deep.

His senior year at Washington State was a breakout, but he still flew under the radar in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Grizzlies, however, saw something special—signing him to a two-way contract (later converted to a standard deal after his early performances).

Why Memphis?

The Grizzlies have a history of developing overlooked talent, and Coward fits their mold:
- A high-IQ player with a strong defensive mindset.
- A versatile scorer who can stretch the floor (career 37.8% three-point shooter).
- A team-first attitude, praised by coaches for his willingness to do the dirty work.

Immediate Effects: How Coward is Changing the Grizzlies’ Season

While the Grizzlies are still led by stars like Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., Coward’s early impact is undeniable:

1. Floor Spacing & Offense

Memphis has struggled with outside shooting in recent years, ranking in the bottom 10 in three-point percentage last season. Coward’s ability to knock down open threes (and even some contested ones) is giving the Grizzlies a new dimension. In his 27-point game, all six of his three-pointers came off assists, showing his ability to thrive in an off-ball role.

2. Defensive Flexibility

At 6’6" with a 6’10" wingspan, Coward has the tools to guard multiple positions. His defensive versatility allows the Grizzlies to switch more effectively on screens, a key part of modern NBA schemes.

3. Fan & Fantasy Engagement

His explosive performances have made him a fan favourite, with social media buzzing about his potential. In fantasy basketball, his per-minute production (1.14 points per minute in his 27-point game) makes him a high-upside pickup.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Cedric Coward?

The big question now: Can he sustain this level of play? Here’s what to watch for in the coming months:

1. Role Expansion

With the Grizzlies dealing with injuries (including Morant’s occasional absences), Coward could see more minutes. If he keeps shooting at this level, he might earn a permanent spot in the starting lineup.

2. Three-Point Consistency

While his 6-of-6 game was historic, the real test will be maintaining a 35%+ three-point clip over a full season. If he does, he could become one of the league’s best "3-and-D" role players.

3. Rookie of the Year Considerations?

Unlikely (the award typically goes to higher-usage players), but if he keeps putting up 15-20 point games, he could land on the All-Rookie Team—a significant achievement for an undrafted player.

4. Long-Term Potential

If he develops further, Coward could become a $10-15 million/year player in a few seasons. His work ethic (reportedly one of the first in the gym and last to leave) suggests he’s committed to improving.

Why Aussie Fans Should Care

For Australian basketball fans, Coward’s story is another reminder of the NBA’s global reach. While we’ve seen Aussies dominate in the league, Coward’s rise shows that talent can come from anywhere—whether it’s a D-III school or a late-blooming college program.

Plus, his efficient, team-oriented style is a refreshing contrast to the high-usage superstars. If he keeps playing like this, he could be a dark horse for the league’s Most Improved Player award by season’s end.

Final Verdict

Cedric Coward might not be a household name yet, but he’s one to watch. Whether you’re a Grizzlies fan, a fantasy player, or just a hoops enthusiast, his story is proof that the NBA is still full of surprises.

**Keep an eye on No. 32 in Memphis—his