Southwest Division Roundup: Coward Targets Summer League Growth, Pelicans Turn to Mosley, Mavericks Monitor Draft and Bench Options
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Memphis, Tenn. — Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward, the No. 11 pick in last year’s draft and a 2025-26 First-Team All-Rookie selection, said he will suit up for the NBA 2K27 Las Vegas Summer League in July to accelerate his development. Speaking with Mark Medina of R.org, the 20-year-old emphasized a commitment to “keep growing my game” and to show the organization he will “be there” for any assignment, whether in Summer League or training camp.
Coward added that the off-season focus allows him to strengthen areas he “didn’t do as much this past season” while feeding his competitiveness. He also discussed learning from league veterans, coping with the recent death of teammate Brandon Clarke, and adjusting to the NBA with help from guard Ja Morant, whom he called “one of the best people that I know personally.”
Pelicans hand reins to Mosley
Jamahl Mosley has accepted the challenge of rebuilding a 21-win New Orleans team after guiding Orlando from the same starting point five years ago, Rod Walker of NOLA reports. Mosley turned the Magic into a regular playoff participant by prioritizing defense; the Pelicans, coming off 21- and 26-win campaigns, are hoping for a comparable turnaround.
Brown draws Mavericks interest at No. 9
Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. is on Dallas’s radar for the ninth pick, according to James Piercey of Dallas Hoops Journal. The 6’5″ prospect owns a 6’7.5″ wingspan and reportedly fits new team president Masai Ujiri’s preference for length and defensive versatility.
Five names in Dallas coaching search
Christian Clark of The Athletic identified five possibilities for the Mavericks’ vacant head-coaching job:
- Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney, a former four-year assistant under Jason Kidd in Dallas;
- Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori;
- Duke head coach John Scheyer;
- Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter;
- South Carolina women’s head coach Dawn Staley.
Dallas dismissed Kidd after a 32-50 season and owns a top-10 draft pick for the first time since 2023.
Source: Hoops Rumors
