The first half of the new Grizzlies season consisted of more reasons for concern than positives, but rookie lottery pick Cedric Coward already looks like the real deal. Even as a rookie, Coward was one of the Grizzlies’ best performers. Despite Coward just recently returning to game action after his shoulder surgery, he is already displaying rapid signs of growth as a rookie.
Coward was the energizer at their time of need
One of the biggest concerns for Coward heading into his NBA career was his lack of experience against high-level competition. In the preseason, Coward was inconsistent on offense but confident, attempting a high volume of shots. Coward was unafraid to bear the scoring responsibility late in games despite struggling with his three-point shot. Coward also displayed the defensive upside that made him such an exciting prospect in the first place.
In just his first half of NBA regular season basketball, those pre-draft concerns already appear to be misguided. Cedric Coward should have an immediate NBA impact due to his defense and athleticism. The Grizzlies struggled with turnovers and foul trouble from key players such as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells, but Cedric Coward provided a significant spark off the bench. When the game was in danger of slipping away early multiple times, Coward’s minutes helped stabilize the team.
In just eight minutes of game action, Cedric Coward scored ten points. Coward looked confident, scoring in transition and getting to the free throw line with ease. Coward also recorded two steals and was one of the best defensive players for the Grizzlies in the first half. Last year, Jaylen Wells made an instant defensive impact as a rookie, and there is a strong chance Cedric Coward could end up doing the same. With their current injury situation, Coward is already making a strong case for more minutes.
While Cedric Coward will still need to get into a rhythm with his jump shot as the season progresses, he is already showing that he can be a reliable transition scorer and that he will immediately boost the Grizzlies’ defense, looking for a major improvement from last season. On his current trajectory, Cedric Coward could end up forming a very impactful wing duo with Jaylen Wells in the near future.
The Memphis Grizzlies are without multiple key rotation pieces for the next few weeks and will certainly get the hardship exception soon. However, Cedric Coward could be an integral piece for keeping the Grizzlies afloat as they aim to overcome their current injury crisis. Most importantly, Cedric Coward is showing why the Grizzlies gave up multiple picks to move up and select him back in June’s draft.
