Mar 7, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Grizzlies Find Desmond Bane Replacement in 2025 NBA Draft Prediction

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 12:29 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies kicked off the 2025 NBA offseason with a wildly unexpected trade, sending star guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. While the Grizzlies got a great return for Bane, they are now missing a star guard to pair with Ja Morant in the backcourt.

The Grizzlies could certainly still be active on the trade market to find a new second or third scorer, but with the NBA Draft on Wednesday night, their solution could fall into their lap at pick 16.

In ESPN's latest mock draft , Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo predict that the Grizzlies will select Cedric Coward with the 16th pick on Wednesday night.

Cedric Coward should be the Grizzlies target with Pick #16 if they keep the pick and he’s still available imo.

- 17.7 PPG
- 7.0 RPG | 3.7 APG
- 2.5 Stocks Per Game
- 56/40/84 Splits

(only played 6 games due to a shoulder injury, but averaged 15 and 7 on 57/38/90 splits in 32… pic.twitter.com/ZpnsreAsqT
— Grizz Lead (@Grizz_Lead) June 23, 2025

Coward, 21, played two seasons at Eastern Washington before transferring to Washington State, but his last year in college was cut short. The 6-foot-5 guard played just six games due to a season-ending shoulder injury, but shined in his limited opportunity. Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game with 55.7/40.0/83.9 shooting splits.

Coward has been shooting up draft boards, and his 7-foot-3 wingspan certainly helps. Coward committed to play for Duke next season, but opted to stay in the draft and is now seen as a first-round lock and potential lottery pick by many.

Cedric Coward is arguably one of the most intriguing prospect for tonight and a profil to keep an eye on for a lottery spot

After a season stopped due an injury, the wing from Washington State made noise at the NBA Draft Combine with massives measurements (6-5 with an… pic.twitter.com/aeIpT5SmPi
— Symbiose (@SymbioseBB) June 25, 2025

Coward may not be able to come in and start alongside Morant immediately if the Grizzlies were to take him, but he is the ideal player to have next to the star point guard. Coward is an incredible offensive talent with very high potential as a defender at the next level.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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