Mar 26, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) react ons the bench during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

New Grizzlies Player Makes Strong Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. Statement

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 12:04 AM ET

The 2025 NBA Draft had plenty of unexpected trades outside of the top ten, including a huge deal by the Memphis Grizzlies to add a high-level rookie.

After trading away Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, the Grizzlies were expected to find his replacement in Wednesday's draft at pick 16, but they did not want to wait that long. The Grizzlies made a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers to acquire pick 11 and select Cedric Coward out of Washington State.

The Grizzlies are sending No. 16, a 2028 first-round pick via Orlando and two seconds to Portland for Cedric Coward, sources said. https://t.co/vLA63Gg3G8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025

Coward, 21, played just six games in his lone season at Washington State, but impressed in his limited opportunity before his year was cut short with an injury. In those six games, 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.

The 6-foot-5 guard is an impressive three-point shooter, and with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and high-level athleticism, he could be an above-average defender at the next level.

The Memphis Grizzlies newest player:

Cedric Coward - 6’6”

Averaged 17.7/7.0/3.7/1.7 at Washington State last season

pic.twitter.com/ZlXPd2y6Ti
— EdeyMuse (@EdeyMuse) June 26, 2025

After getting drafted by the Grizzlies, Coward was asked about playing alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and had high praise for the star duo.

"They’re one of the best duos in the league," Coward said.

Cedric Coward on Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.:

“They’re one of the best duos in the league.”
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) June 26, 2025

Coward also revealed what he is bringing to the table after getting selected by the Grizzlies, per Memphis Commercial Appeal's Damichael Cole.

"The first thing I'm bringing to the table is a winning attitude and winning mentality," Coward said. "A guy that is going to get after it each and every day. I'm going to enjoy the process. I'm going to enjoy the love and understand that, I need to do what I need to do to get on the court and earn the rotation minutes. At the end of the day, nothing has ever been given to me, and I don't expect that."

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

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