Iisalo Stays Tight-Lipped on Morant Suspension; Coward Shines Early, Edey Nears Return
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Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo offered little explanation for Ja Morant’s one-game suspension before Monday night’s 118-112 loss to the Detroit Pistons. “We had a discussion and we’re all looking to move forward and beat the Pistons tonight,” he told reporters, repeating the sentence when pressed about Morant’s behavior.
The All-Star guard was barred for conduct detrimental to the team following Friday’s defeat in Los Angeles. Multiple reports indicated Iisalo had questioned Morant’s leadership and effort, prompting a dismissive response from the player. Morant is also said to be unhappy with the coach’s short, frequent substitution rotations, which Iisalo defended as an intentional strategy “to find a competitive edge now and in the future.”
Morant, 25, is in the first season of a five-year maximum contract that runs through 2027-28, complicating any potential trade scenario. He finished Monday’s game with 18 points and 10 assists.
Coward’s Unlikely Rise
First-round pick Cedric Coward has quickly become a bright spot. The 6-foot-6 wing received no NCAA Division I offers out of high school, enrolled at Division III Willamette without an athletic scholarship, then transferred to Eastern Washington and ultimately Washington State. Despite tearing a labrum six games into last season, Coward’s efficiency pushed him up draft boards, and Memphis selected him 11th overall after a strong NBA Combine showing.
Through seven games, the 22-year-old is averaging 15.0 points while shooting 58.7 percent from the field, 47.8 percent from three and 90.9 percent at the foul line. Iisalo credited Coward’s “professionalism” for the fast start, saying his length, strength and skill are fueling rapid growth.
Edey Hits Rehab Milestone
Rookie center Zach Edey moved a step closer to his NBA debut by practicing Monday with the team’s G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, before being recalled the same day. The session marked a significant checkpoint in his recovery from offseason ankle surgery. The Grizzlies have opened the year without Edey and forward Brandon Clarke, who is rehabbing a knee injury. If Edey’s progress continues, he is expected to enter the front-court rotation soon.
Source: Hoops Wire
