Grizzlies Notes: Ja Morant, Tuomas Iisalo, Cedric Coward, Zach Edey

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo didn’t say much about the one-game suspension for Ja Morant, prior to Monday’s home loss to the Pistons.

“We had a discussion and we’re all looking to move forward and beat the Pistons tonight,” Iisalo told reporters.

He repeated that line multiple times when asked about Morant’s behavior.

Morant was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team after Friday’s loss to the Lakers. Reports said Iisalo challenged Morant’s leadership and effort, and Morant responded in a dismissive way.

Iisalo did offer a longer answer about his substitution patterns, which Morant reportedly doesn’t like.

Iisalo said the shorter shifts are intentional and that the goal is finding a competitive edge now and in the future.

Sam Quinn of CBS Sports wondered if Memphis should simply move on. The contract makes it messy. Morant is on a max deal through 2027-28, and the Grizzlies likely wouldn’t get much in return right now.

Morant had 18 points and 10 assists in the loss to Detroit.

Coward Rising

Grizzlies rookie wing Cedric Coward has one of the strangest paths you’ll find among first-round picks. He had zero Division I offers out of high school and went to Division III Willamette on a non-athletic scholarship.

“It was hard to believe I could go to the NBA then, if I’m being honest,” Coward told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. “But I had to. I’m a big believer in manifestation.”

Coward eventually worked his way to Washington State by way of Eastern Washington, then tore his labrum after just six games last season. Even with the small sample, his efficiency pushed his stock up.

The NBA Combine sealed it. Memphis took him No. 11.

Through the first seven games, Coward was averaging 15.0 points with elite shooting splits at .587/.478/.909. Iisalo praised his approach, saying professionalism is what is driving his development.

The Grizzlies believe he has the length, strength and skill to keep jumping levels quickly.

He’s doing that right now.

Edey Update

Center Zach Edey is trending in the right direction. Memphis assigned him to the G League’s Hustle for a practice on Monday, then immediately recalled him afterward.

That’s a key rehab marker after offseason ankle surgery.

The Grizzlies have opened the season without Edey and Brandon Clarke, who is still recovering from knee surgery.

If Edey keeps progressing, he should be in line to join the frontcourt rotation soon.