NASHVILLE — Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson and Cedric Coward broke off into a group after each training camp practice. The three took turns attempting two 3-point shots from a designated spot before the next person in line stepped up and did the same.

The grouping is fitting, considering the trio’s importance to the trajectory of the Memphis Grizzlies. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are the franchise players, and Zach Edey is positioned to be the center of the future. Two wing spots sit in between those three players. From a long-term standpoint, two of three young wings are likely going to fit into that grouping.

Advertisement

Grizzlies fans have seen Wells and GG Jackson play. Both have higher expectations this season, but only a few have seen what Coward can do in an NBA setting.

After completing the three practices at Belmont University’s Crockett Center, it’s safe to say many people in the Grizzlies organization are impressed with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Teammate Scotty Pippen Jr. and coach Tuomas Iisalo are among those who have called the 6-foot-6, 206-pound Coward “impressive.”

“I think he’s kind of exceeded my expectations,” Pippen said. “I never really saw any of his (college) highlights, but I’ve played and I’ve been around top picks. I feel like he’s been one of the better ones I’ve ever seen.”

A versatile ceiling

Iisalo said one thing that intrigued the Grizzlies about Coward is the different potential pathways he has as a player. He could turn into a three-and-d player, an on-ball wing, or end up being a protection defender. The variety of different potential outcomes is what challenges Iisalo and his staff.

Advertisement

Coward is entering the NBA from a unique situation. He began playing college basketball at Division III before finishing his career appearing in six games for Washington State. A shoulder injury cut his season short and limited him through the predraft process, but the Grizzlies aren’t bringing him along slowly. They’re aiming to strike the balance between giving him information and figuring out his future professional role.

“Just the way he approaches every day, there’s visible development with him every day,” Iisalo said. “You kind of expect it, with his background having been injured that he’s going to improve and improve, but he was very impressive here during the camp. He seems to do better and better every day, and that’s a testament to just who he is as a person and how he works every day.”

Cedric Coward’s role/duties

Through training camp, Coward has mostly been on teams with Pippen, which could be an indication of the Grizzlies’ intention to initially bring the rookie off the bench. Memphis is currently projected to start Morant, Wells, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Santi Aldama and Jock Landale until Jackson and Edey return from injuries.

Advertisement

Off the floor, Coward’s rookie role is defined. Every time before the Grizzlies get on the plane, he has to go grab sushi for his teammates and bring it and back to them.

Considering the amount of times the Grizzlies travel, that will be a lot of sushi, but Coward says the place isn’t too far from his home.

“It’s not hard at all,” Coward said.

DEFENSIVE MENTALITY: This is how Memphis Grizzlies coach plans on defense to be ‘unpleasant experience’ for opponents

A feeling of belonging

Confidence is an important factor as a rookie. Many rookie goes through mental hurdles over the course an 82-game season that can carry over into their play.

Advertisement

Coward’s mentality is simple. “Basketball is basketball,” he said.

He may be already exceeding the expectations of teammates, but Coward believes that no one holds him to a higher standard than himself.

“At the end of the day, you have to come in with that confidence like I belong here,” Coward said. “One, they picked me for a reason, and one, I also worked this hard to get here for a reason.”

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Rookie Cedric Coward standing out at Memphis Grizzlies training camp