Photo: Memphis Grizzlies/X

It’s been a difficult season overall for Memphis, with the Grizzlies sitting at 25-50 after dealing with numerous injuries and moving on from former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. at the February trade deadline.

Still, one bright spot has been the progress of 2025 lottery pick Cedric Coward, writes Jonah Dylan of The Memphis Commercial Appeal, as the rookie forward has stepped into a larger offensive role amid the team’s health setbacks.

“Right now, when you look at our roster, he’s a featured guy and teams may put a lot more emphasis on stopping him,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said after Coward put up 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting in Saturday’s win over Chicago.

“And I think he’s done a great job letting the game come to him.”

Coward has played 1 season for the Grizzlies. He has averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 58 regular-season games.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR