NASHVILLE \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
The grouping is fitting, considering the trio’s importance to the trajectory of the Memphis Grizzlies<\/a>. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are the franchise players, and Zach Edey<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n \u201cI think he\u2019s kind of exceeded my expectations,” Pippen said. “I never really saw any of his (college) highlights, but I\u2019ve played and I\u2019ve been around top picks. I feel like he\u2019s been one of the better ones I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n A versatile ceiling<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “Just the way he approaches every day, there\u2019s visible development with him every day,” Iisalo said. “You kind of expect it, with his background having been injured that he\u2019s 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\u2019s a testament to just who he is as a person and how he works every day.”<\/p>\n Cedric Coward’s role\/duties<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “It’s not hard at all,” Coward said.<\/p>\n