Cedric Coward picked 23 partially because his college #0 already belongs to Jaylen Wells, but 23 has a good track record.

“Ced, you kinda look like Michael Jordan on the court” 👀 pic.twitter.com/2QLbdYpnRr

— Avery Braxton (@Brax_Avery) July 4, 2025

After wearing No. 0 last season at Washington State, Memphis Grizzlies rookie forward Cedric Coward will have a new jersey number to begin his career in the NBA.

Coward wore No. 0 in each of his four seasons in college at Willamette University, Eastern Washington and Washington State. However, it is currently occupied by second-year forward Jaylen Wells, forcing Coward to choose a new number.

Rather than try to pry it away from Wells, the 11th pick opted to go with No. 23 as a nod to Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. He wore it at Central High School in California and will be the first to have it with the Grizzlies since Derrick Rose in the 2023-24 season.

“I think just having that number represents a lot,” Coward told Avery Braxton of WATN-TV. “Usually, people who wear 23 are good basketball players. I think I’m a pretty good basketball player, so (I chose) 23.”

Coward averaged 17.7 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 blocks on 40% shooting from 3-point range (12-of-30) last season as a senior. He was limited to six appearances after sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury in November.

The 6-foot-6 standout missed summer league as he continued to recover from his injury, but he is expected to be cleared for the start of training camp. He is highly touted for his ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions, boasting a 7-foot, 2 1/4-inch wingspan. 

Coward was highly sought after by the Grizzlies and is projected to be a player who can contribute immediately. They believe he has a bright future ahead and are eager to get him back on the court.

Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.

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