Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward said that he will have no on-court injury restrictions when the team convenes for the start of training camp next week.
Coward didn’t participate with the Grizzlies in summer league in July as he continued to recover from a shoulder injury that limited him to six games last season at Washington State. He said after the draft that he felt like he could play, but the team eventually opted to hold him out of action.
The 11th pick said on Saturday that he was cleared by the medical staff for full activity last month and will be ready to go for practice, beginning on Sept. 30. He is eager to get to work.
“I’m good,” Coward said, via Matt Infield of Action News 5. “I’m 100% cleared. I’m just ready to hoop. I’m super excited. … I’m ready to go into training camp, and I’m ready for the rest of the year.”
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 produced a season-high 30 points and three assists on Nov. 18 in a win over Northern Colorado.
The 22-year-old 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. He had a rapid rise after beginning at Willamette University (Division III) and playing two seasons at Eastern Washington.
Coward projects to eventually have the chance to back up starter Jaylen Wells. The team will likely ease him into action after missing extensive time, but the 6-foot-6 forward believes he’ll be able to hit the ground running to begin the season.
“Even though you haven’t (played) in a while, it is still ingrained in your brain and the chemistry of your body that is just something you do every other day,” Coward said. “For me, I do it every day now, and now that I don’t have to hold anything back, I don’t got people telling me to take a break, it’s like letting the wolves out.”