The Memphis Grizzlies, fresh off of trading Desmond Bane, landed the steal of the 2025 NBA Draft—Cedric Coward—if he can stay healthy.
The Grizzlies traded up into the lottery to select Coward with the 11th overall pick. Coward’s journey to the NBA was a long, unlikely one, but he’s been proving people wrong his entire life. Coward will now look to do the same to the 10 NBA teams who passed on him.
Grizzlies Land Steal of the Draft with No. 11 Pick
A Long Road to the NBA
Coward began his collegiate career at Division III Willamette University. He quickly made his mark for the Bearcats, being named the Northwest Conference Freshman of the Year and first-team All-Northwest, thanks to his 19.4 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.
After his highly-touted freshman campaign, Coward transferred to Eastern Washington University. He primarily served as a bench piece in his first Division I season before exploding as a junior, earning first-team All-Big-Sky honors, posting 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
Coward would once again enter the portal, transferring to Washington State. A season-ending shoulder injury limited Coward to just six games, where he was the Cougars’ leading scorer with an average of 17.7 points. In addition to his scoring increase, Coward put up 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.
What Cedric Coward Brings to the Table
One of the most coveted archetypes in the NBA is the “3-and-D” player, and Coward is the epitome of that mold, with potential to grow even further.
Coward has a natural shooting stroke and a soft touch from all over the floor. He’s not limited in how he can get shots off; he looks equally as comfortable going off the bounce, off the catch or on the move. Over his three Division I seasons, Coward converted on 38.8 percent of his three-pointers and 83.2 percent of his free throws.
On top of his shooter’s touch, Coward is a physical freak. Standing at 6-foot-6, Coward boasts a 7-foot-2 wingspan with an 8-foot-10 standing reach, while being measured in the top-1o in hand size at the NBA combine.
Coward not only has length, but he knows how to use it. He’s a defensive playmaker, with a career steal percentage of 1.9 percent and a 3.7 block rate in Division I. During his six-game Washington State career, Coward’s block rate was 5.3 percent.
Despite his talent, Coward will likely never be a lead guard. He has some ball skills, but lacks the elite burst necessary to create separation against high-level defenders.
Coward’s game truly shines as a connector. He’s shown a lot of ability as a playmaker in transition, and he finds most of his shots in the flow of the offense.
Team-first is the name of the game for Coward. He’s unselfish, has great instincts, and doesn’t play outside of himself. He can be an immediate contributor, and if he can refine the flashes he’s shown as a playmaker, can be a legitimate force for a playoff team and a draft steal.
Cedric Coward’s Fit
Coward could theoretically start immediately with Memphis moving on from Desmond Bane. In his five-year NBA career, Bane has developed tremendously with the ball in his hands. Playing next to Ja Morant, Bane also got his fair share of open looks.
Paired with Jaren Jackson Jr., Coward and Jackson could soon make for one of the NBA’s most polarizing defensive duos. Coward has the potential, especially with his reach, to play up-and-down defensively. He could matchup against guards, and even be deployed as a small-ball four (or five, in some matchups).
Coward will fit right into Memphis’ offense. With Jaylen Wells expected to take over more offensive responsibilities, Coward likely won’t be asked to do too much immediately. He will slide in and contribute in his spots, which is what he’s made a career of doing. Coward is the perfect player for Memphis, who are obviously trying to surround Morant with defense and shooting.
A perfect fit for a perfect situation, Cedric Coward can be a draft steal for Memphis.
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