Why Cedric Coward Could Be Memphis’ Next Breakout Star

The Memphis Grizzlies officially signed forward Cedric Coward this summer. The No. 11 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft inked a rookie-scale contract last month. The deal, reported by Spotrac, will pay him $5.7 million in his first season, securing one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s class.

Coward’s arrival in Memphis did not come cheaply. The Grizzlies executed a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, moving up from the No. 16 spot by sending out two future first-round selections, including a coveted 2028 Orlando Magic pick, along with two second-rounders. The message was clear: Memphis sees Coward as a difference-maker for its future.

Why Cedric Coward Could Be Memphis’ Next Breakout Star

From Division III to the NBA Lottery

Coward’s path to the league is as unorthodox as it is inspiring. He began his college career at Division III Willamette University, far from the spotlight of high-major basketball. After transferring to Eastern Washington, he became a star, earning All-Big Sky first-team honors in 2023-24, averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and shooting 38.3 percent from deep.

That production and versatility caught the eye of Washington State, where Coward transferred for his senior season. In limited action, just six games before a torn labrum ended his year, he showcased his elite potential. He averaged 17.7 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks while connecting on 40 percent of his threes. Even with the injury, NBA scouts could not ignore his length, explosiveness, and multi-positional skill set.

Why Memphis Believes in Coward

At 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Coward projects as a modern two-way forward who can stretch the floor, guard multiple positions, and thrive in transition. His 38.5-inch vertical leap, the ninth-best mark at the NBA Draft Combine, underscored his athletic profile.

Coward represents a high-upside swing for the Grizzlies, who are reshaping their roster around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. His ability to score at all three levels fits with Memphis’ desire to surround Morant with versatile weapons. Defensively, his size and instincts could allow him to guard wings and small-ball fours, areas where the team has lacked depth.

The Injury Factor

The elephant in the room is Coward’s shoulder. The torn labrum that ended his senior season kept him sidelined during Summer League, where many rookies cut their teeth against NBA-level competition. While he was cleared for individual workouts before the draft, Memphis is expected to take a cautious approach to ensure he is fully ready for the grind of an 82-game season.

If Coward stays healthy, his role will likely start small this year. Memphis could ease him into the rotation as a defensive specialist and spot-up shooter before asking him to expand offensively. Patience may be required, but the payoff could be significant.

What to Expect in Year One

Given the Grizzlies’ depth, Coward does not need to be a star immediately. He will likely compete for minutes behind wings like Vince Williams Jr. and Santi Aldama while carving out a niche as a switchable defender. His long-term projection, however, is as a two-way starter with All-Defensive upside, a ceiling that justified Memphis’ aggressive trade on draft night.

The Grizzlies have built a reputation for uncovering talent outside the lottery, from Brandon Clarke to Desmond Bane. This time, they have invested heavily in a lottery pick who embodies grit, growth, and versatility. If Coward’s recovery stays on track, his journey from Division III gyms to FedExForum could become one of the NBA’s most compelling rookie stories.