The Memphis Grizzlies this past season finished as the eighth seed in the Western Conference. They made it out of the play-in tournament but lost in the first round to the eventual champion, the Oklahoma City Thunder.<\/p>\n
That led them to focus on the 2025 NBA Draft, making the decision to trade up to the 11th pick with the Portland Trail Blazers, with their eyes set on Washington State wing Cedric Coward. Despite having a chance to head to play for the Duke Blue Devils, Coward received enough feedback to enter the draft and ended up becoming a lottery selection.<\/p>\n
2025 NBA Draft<\/p>\n
No. 11<\/p>\n
Portland Trailblazers (traded to Memphis Grizzlies) select:<\/p>\n
Cedric Coward (Virgo)<\/p>\n
Synergy Grade: B+<\/p>\n
Connects well with:
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Zach Edey
Scotty Pippen Jr.
Brandon Clarke<\/p>\n
Note: It depends on how effectively Coach Iisalo incorporates him into\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/jLBjCEn1Rq<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The Zodiac GM (@TheZodiacGM) June 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Coward missed the NBA Summer League due to a shoulder injury, which was reported on July 4<\/a>.<\/p>\n That meant Grizzlies fans were unable to see their newest player perform in an NBA setting, but gave them plenty of time to view his highlights in college. <\/p>\n Cedric Coward is 100% cleared for all basketball activities.<\/p>\n Via @DamichaelC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/l2h4nWouQd<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Playoff MEM (@PlayoffMem) September 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The news came out that he is now “100% cleared for all basketball activities. He\u2019ll be a full go in training camp, and he\u2019s really excited about it after not being able to play during summer league,” shared Damichael Cole of Commercial Appeal<\/a>.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s like letting the wolves out,” Coward shared. “That\u2019s what it is.” <\/p>\n After being set back due to injuries, Coward will now have the chance to get out on the court and get ready for training camp, with a handful of preseason games set for early October.<\/p>\n Cedric Coward last night in a win for WSU:<\/p>\n – 30 points One of the best impact players in college basketball. Definitely has a place on an NBA roster come June. <\/p>\n Check out his game highlights below! \u2b07\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/gzCti7msTa<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Draftstack (@TheDraftstack) November 19, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n Coward is a known scorer, as he averaged 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists for Washington State last season. He also connected on 40% of his 3-pointers, which will come in handy, especially when paired with Ja Morant on a wing-side pick-and-roll.<\/p>\n With Jaren Jackson Jr. either clogging up the paint or stretching out to the three, Coward theoretically should fit in well with those two stars, being able to fill in where they are not. As a rookie, his immediate impact won’t be known until later on in the season, but the upsides are promising.<\/p>\n Listed as a A-plus pick by the Grizzlies by longtime NBA Analyst Kevin O’Connor<\/a>, Coward “might be the steal of the draft.”<\/p>\n Cedric Coward \ud83d\udcc8\ud83d\udcc8\ud83d\udcc8\ud83d\udcc8 https:\/\/t.co\/WCRe3nCB6s<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/rutDo3xL9L<\/a><\/p>\n
– 2 rebounds
– 3 assists
– 12\/18 FG
– 2\/6 3P
– 4\/5 FT<\/p>\n