Photo: Memphis Grizzlies/X

In a season that offered little to celebrate for the Memphis Grizzlies, rookie Cedric Coward stood out as a clear positive.

The No. 11 pick put together an impressive first year, averaging 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 47.1% across 62 games, putting himself firmly in the conversation for All-Rookie First Team honors.

Head coach Tuomas Iisalo highlighted Coward’s role in helping the team compete, saying he has “just scratched the surface of what he can be.”

Teammate Taj Gibson echoed that optimism, comparing the young wing to a “young Jimmy (Butler),” a nod to Jimmy Butler and the kind of potential Coward may still be developing toward.

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