A big smile flashed across Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward’s face as he recapped his first NBA game action.
Based on his demeanor, you would have thought he came out strong and put up a big performance, but actually, it was the opposite.
Coward finished the Grizzlies’ Oct. 6 preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons with one point, and he missed all seven of his field goal attempts. That included a blown layup and an airballed 3-pointer as the Grizzlies lost 128-112 at FedExForum.
“I just said to the coaches that Cedric had a rough night today,” coach Tuomas Iisalo said. “It’s his first game in a long, long time.”
In fact, this was Coward’s first game since his final collegiate season ended early due to a shoulder injury in November 2024 at Washington State. That alone led to him being more excited about the overall opportunity to play competitive basketball than the idea of Oct. 6 being his unofficial NBA debut.
“Now that I’ve touched an NBA court, you don’t really have to get your feet wet anymore,” Coward said. “It’s like your first time going swimming. Once you get in the pool, you’re straight.”
Cedric Coward’s unwavering confidence
Coward admits that the preseason opener “for sure” felt like his first game in 11 months. This next stretch of games is about getting back into a rhythm.
He didn’t feel rushed on either end. He admits that his floater that was blocked wasn’t a good shot. Other than that, he is sure of his ability to make the rest of the shots he took.
“Ultimately, it’s just getting the rhythm of the game,” Coward said. “The shots I did take were shots I liked. That’s why I’m not worried about it. It wasn’t like I was rushing them or anything. They just weren’t falling.”
Confidence has been a theme for Coward since he was drafted No. 11 overall by the Grizzlies. He has spoken about trusting the work he puts in, and he echoed that sentiment after the loss.
The Grizzlies did not seem like they were putting too much on Coward’s plate. He was the 11th player to check into the game and wasn’t asked to do too much on either end.
“The only way to take with him is a very patient approach,” Iisalo said. “He’s been great at the practices. He’s been doing really well. He will bounce back very soon from that.”
Talk with vets
The coaches aren’t the only ones instilling confidence in Coward, who often went up to his veteran teammates to get advice during the game. He was talking with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and he got an assessment from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope afterward.
The general message was simple: Keep shooting.
As for Morant, who was out with a left ankle sprain, he wants to see Coward showcase the same confidence the Grizzlies players have seen during practices.
“Although it’s something known, you still need to hear it,” Coward said. “For me, it’s always good to have guys be real with me.”
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.