Rough NBA Returns and Health Updates Highlight Southwest Preseason
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward struggled in his first NBA appearance Monday, missing all seven shots and finishing minus-22 in 18 minutes during a 128-112 loss to the Pistons. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo acknowledged the rough outing but emphasized that Coward’s return was the main victory after the 22-year-old missed most of last season and the entire Summer League with a shoulder injury.
“Now that I’ve touched an NBA court, you don’t really have to get your feet wet anymore,” Coward said. “The shots I took were ones I liked. They just weren’t falling.” Monday marked his first game action since November 2024.
Spurs’ Vassell Ready for Full Season
In San Antonio, guard Devin Vassell reported a healthy offseason after consecutive summers marred by knee and foot problems. The 25-year-old told the San Antonio Express-News he was able to complete two-a-day workouts and is targeting a full 82-game slate in 2025-26; his current career high is 71 games in 2021-22.
Wembanyama’s Expanded Role
ESPN’s Michael C. Wright detailed Victor Wembanyama’s eventful offseason, including the blood clot that ended the center’s 2024-25 campaign—an issue the Spurs star believes could ultimately help his development. Separately, The Athletic’s Jared Weiss reported that San Antonio is using the 7-foot-4 phenom more frequently on the wing, drawing comparisons to Kevin Durant rather than Anthony Davis.
Mavericks Injury Roundup
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd offered several medical updates Tuesday, according to the Dallas Hoops Journal. Guard Dante Exum remains out with an undisclosed injury, while guard Brandon Williams is still day-to-day after straining a hamstring early in training camp.
Source: Hoops Rumors
