The Memphis Grizzlies’ aggressive draft-night move to acquire Cedric Coward is already yielding results. After shipping a future first-round pick and two second-rounders to jump from No. 16 to No. 11 in the 2025 NBA Draft, Memphis has watched the 22-year-old wing open the regular season with a quick scoring burst.
Coward averaged 15.0 points on high efficiency in his first two outings, then delivered 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting, six rebounds and four assists in just 24 minutes during Saturday’s win over Indiana. “He’s been making those shots in practice,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said. “All the signs are there.”
The rookie credits a steady mindset for his hot start. “We’ve got 82 of these games, plus playoffs,” Coward said. “You have to handle the highs and lows the same way.”
Small seizes backcourt opening
Injuries among the guards have pushed two-way rookie Javon Small into the rotation. “He just absorbs everything,” Iisalo noted, praising Small’s rapid progress and confidence.
Morant downplays ‘face of the league’ label
Star point guard Ja Morant told The Athletic that he never sought the spotlight attached to being a potential league ambassador. “I play for the love of the game, not to be the face of the NBA,” he said, adding that outside opinions carry little weight for him.
Bassey joins on hardship deal
Memphis signed center Charles Bassey to a 10-day hardship contract Monday. Iisalo highlighted the Nigerian big man’s rebounding ability and said he will receive playing time during the stint, though the exact timing remains undecided.
Source: Hoops Rumors
