Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward is expected to be a full participant in training camp following rehabilitation of a left shoulder injury, the team announced on Friday.
Coward didn’t participate with the Grizzlies in summer league as he continued to recover from the 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.
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The 11th pick in the 2025 NBA draft said on Sept. 20 that he would have no restrictions entering the start of the preseason and was cleared by the team medical staff last month. He last played in a competitive basketball game on Nov. 21.
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.
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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.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Cedric Coward: Grizzlies provide injury update on No. 11 overall pick