Finally cleared from a shoulder injury, Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward is making a strong impression on his teammates and coaches this week in training camp.
Coward was limited to six games last season at Washington State due to the injury sustained on Nov. 21. He was held out of participating in the NBA Summer League in July before the team medical staff eventually cleared him in August.
The 6-foot-6 forward is off to a good start, earning early praise from the likes of GG Jackson II, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells. He has dazzled with his size, fluidity and ability to defend multiple positions, boasting a 7-foot, 2 1/4-inch wingspan.
“I would say the biggest thing is just trying to make an impact on winning the way I know how,” Coward said. “Defense is what keeps you on the court. You win the game if you score more points than the other team, and if you can stop them from scoring, and you can score, you will score more points. For me, it is just getting in where I can fit in (and) doing what I can to earn these guys’ trust on both ends of the floor.”
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 11th pick is a full participant in practice and has no restrictions after missing extensive time due to his setback last season. Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo has been encouraged by his showing in the early going and noted that Coward has brought a great presence to the team.
Coward projects to eventually have the chance to play a key role for the team in the second unit. While he is eager to play again after being sidelined for nearly a year, Coward acknowledged that feeling will dissipate once the game is underway.
“I think it is going to be a surreal feeling when you first hear your name called, but once the ball is dribbled or you get hit for the first time, whatever it may be, you lock back into the game,” Coward said. “It is not going to be an ‘Oh, wow,’ moment because I think I deserve to be here. I’m here for a reason. I’ve been blessed and put into a position where I can play in front of the great crowd in Memphis and the other 29 cities.”