Latest news with #Coward
USA Today
23-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: Grizzlies' Cedric Coward expected to be ready for training camp
Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward is reportedly expected to be ready for the start of training camp ahead of his rookie campaign, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac. Coward didn't participate in the NBA Summer League as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury that limited him to six games last season at Washington State. He was considered doubtful to play and didn't join the team until July 14 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 11th pick said after the draft that he felt like he could play in the desert, but added that the decision to clear him would likely be made by the organization. A team executive told Smith that Coward is expected to be cleared when the team convenes in late September. On drafting Cedric Coward: 'We're so excited about having him. Cedric is going to be really good for us. He should be ready to go for camp. You have to have good wings to win big in our league, and I think Cedric with Jaylen (Wells) is going to be great for us,' a Grizzlies front office executive said. Coward averaged 17.7 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 blocks on 40% shooting from 3-point range (12-of-30) last season as a senior. He produced a season-high 30 points and three assists on Nov. 18 in a win over Northern Colorado. The 21-year-old is highly touted for his ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions, boasting a 7-foot, 2 1/4-inch wingspan. He had a rapid rise after beginning at Willamette University (Division III) and playing two seasons at Eastern Washington. Coward was highly sought after by the Grizzlies and projects to be a player who can contribute immediately. They believe he has a bright future ahead and are eager to get him back on the court.
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Grizzlies draft pick Cedric Coward signed to rookie-scale contract
Former Washington State forward Cedric Coward, the 11th pick in the 2025 NBA draft, signed his rookie-scale contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, the team announced on Tuesday. Coward averaged 17.7 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 blocks on 40% shooting from 3-point range (12-of-30) at Washington State last season. He made just six appearances before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury in November. He will make $5,715,120 next season, according to Spotrac. The 6-foot-6 standout is highly touted because of his ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions, boasting a 7-foot, 2 1/4-inch wingspan. He also recorded a 38 1/2-inch max vertical jump at the draft combine in May, the ninth-highest mark among all participants. Coward began playing at Willamette University (Division III). He transferred to Eastern Washington for two years and was named to the All-Big Sky first team during the 2023-24 season, averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 38.3% shooting from beyond the arc. The 21-year-old initially declared for the draft while also entering the transfer portal at the end of the season. He committed to play at Duke for next season but ultimately kept his name in the draft after establishing himself as a likely lottery pick. Coward is doubtful to play with the Grizzlies in the NBA Summer League as he continues to rehab that shoulder injury. He said after joining the Grizzlies that he felt ready to play, but the decision to clear him would likely be made by the team.
USA Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cedric Coward: 11th pick 'doubtful' for Grizzlies in NBA Summer League
Cedric Coward is considered doubtful to participate in summer league, as he continues his rehab, per team Magnay is considered questionable to participate. Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward is reportedly doubtful to play with the team in the NBA Summer League, according to Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian. Coward averaged 17.7 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 blocks on 40% shooting from 3-point range (12-of-30) at Washington State last season. He made just six appearances before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury in November. The 11th pick in the 2025 NBA draft is still rehabbing that shoulder injury and was limited during the predraft process. He said that after joining the Grizzlies, he felt ready to play, but the decision to clear him would likely be made by the team. The Grizzlies began the offseason without a first-round pick in the draft. They eventually traded the 16th pick acquired from the Orlando Magic, a future first-round selection and two second-rounders to the Portland Trail Blazers to move up five spots to take Coward. The 21-year-old is highly touted for his ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions, boasting a 7-foot, 2 1/4-inch wingspan. He had a rapid rise after beginning at Willamette University (Division III) and playing two seasons at Eastern Washington. The Grizzlies begin a three-game stint in the Salt Lake City Summer League on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder (7 p.m. EDT, ESPNU). They will then play at least five more games, starting with the Boston Celtics on July 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada (4 p.m. EDT, NBA TV).
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cedric Coward headlines Grizzlies intriguing final 2025 NBA Draft workout
The post Cedric Coward headlines Grizzlies intriguing final 2025 NBA Draft workout appeared first on ClutchPoints. With trade market surveying being near complete, the Memphis Grizzlies are getting serious about the 2025 NBA Draft. After weeks of only looking at prospects with slim second-round hopes, EVP Zach Kleiman has called in a few lottery talents. Asa Newell tops the charts as a frontcourt option. The team also flew in wings Cedric Coward (Washington St.), Paul Zilinskas (IU Indy), Ethan Taylor (Air Force), Simas Lukosius (Cincinnati), Chibuzo Agbo (USC), and Jonathan Pierre (Belmont). Advertisement Cedric Coward would be targeted with the 2025 NBA Draft's 16th overall pick. The Washington State alum has a lottery-level grade on some scouting boards. The other five are athletic wings worth a look in the second round or on the NBA Summer League squad. Each brings a unique skill set that addresses the need for wing depth and defensive flexibility following a first-round playoff exit. Chibuzo Agbo's shooting (40% 3PA last three seasons) is hard to ignore, for instance. Finding Cedric Coward's ceiling Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images Cedric Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, showcasing next-level two-way potential. His 7-foot-2 wingspan and 38.5-inch vertical make the 21-year-old a disruptive defender capable of guarding multiple positions, while his athleticism fuels highlight-reel finishes in transition. Coward's quick first step and ability to attack closeouts suggest there is plenty of offensive upside next to Ja Morant and Jaylen Wells. Advertisement Decision-making in the halfcourt offense remains a work in progress, as Coward occasionally forces drives rather than leveraging his playmaking vision. His ball handling can be loose under pressure, and there were struggles against physical defenders who crowded space. Thankfully, the Grizzlies would have the developmental time to ease Coward into a ball-handling role, given the current offensive hierarchy. Adding strength to his 210-pound frame will be crucial to absorb contact as a cutting option and hold his own defensively against NBA wings. Still, the Grizzlies could do a lot worse in the NBA Draft. Coward's high ceiling as a 3-and-D prospect is enticing, especially with some shot refinement and tightened ball-handling. Coward's journey from Division III obscurity to first-round buzz epitomizes late-blooming excellence. Despite limited high-level exposure, Coward dazzled scouts at the NBA Combine. Paul Zilinskas popping nets Paul Zilinskas emerged as a sleeper late second-round option after a lone Division I season at IU-Indy. The 6-foot-6 sharpshooter averaged approximately 18 points, three rebounds, and two assists while hitting over 41% from three-point range (7.2 3PA per game). Zilinskas thrives as a floor-spacer who moves well off the ball, using screens to create open looks. His high basketball IQ shines in cutting and relocating, making him a fit for modern NBA offenses. Advertisement Defensively, his lateral quickness allows him to stay in front of quicker guards, though his 6-foot-9 wingspan is more functional than disruptive. Still, an ability to knock down contested shots and execute simple reads in pick-and-roll sets would fit with the Grizzlies as an effective regular-season role player. However, Zilinskas' limitations could cap his upside. Average athleticism and lack of elite burst make it tough for him to create shots off the dribble, relegating him to a catch-and-shoot role. Defensively, Zilinskas struggles against stronger wings who can bully in the post or drive through contact. His passing is functional but lacks creativity, limiting his ability to facilitate complex offensive schemes. Grizzlies need new tools Ethan Taylor (Air Force) is a high-energy prospect who averaged 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season. Known for a relentless motor, the 6-foot-5 combo guard excels in transition, using a 6-foot-10 wingspan to finish above the rim and disrupt passing lanes. Taylor's defensive versatility stands out, as he can switch across positions 1-4 with quick feet and active hands, averaging 1.7 steals per game. Advertisement Offensively, Taylor's 38% three-point shooting shows promise, and his ability to attack closeouts adds a layer of versatility. His intangibles, shaped by Air Force's disciplined environment, make him a culture fit for the Grizzlies' gritty identity. The Third-Team Mountain West wing was the first Air Force player with 1,000 career points, 500 rebounds, and 300 assists, and recorded a triple-double as a freshman. Jonathan Pierre (Belmont) is a versatile 6-foot-6 two-way wing who averaged 13.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists to earn Missouri Valley Conference first-team honors. Pierre's ability to guard multiple positions is promising; the 36.8% three-point shooting is a work in progress. He did well at the Portsmouth Invitational but his jump shot lacks the consistency to punish defenses. Pierre's playmaking is limited, often defaulting to straight-line drives rather than creating for others. Simas Lukosius (Cincinnati) would provide intriguing size, shooting, and a European understanding to the Grizzlies. The 6-foot-8 wingman has a smooth stroke (37% 3PA) and can score from all three levels, plus the Lithuanian's versatility allows him to play both wing positions. Lukosius has dozens of smart passes on tape, displaying above-average court vision, though he can struggle against physical defenders. Chibuzo Agbo (USC) can claim to be the best shooter (38.3% 3PA) the Grizzlies have invited to town for 2025 NBA Draft workouts. Agbo works well in an off-ball motion offense, is an above-average rebounder on both ends, and rarely gets caught looking silly on defense. He had 39 turnovers and 33 steals last season. Adding in the deflections plus 22 weakside blocks and it is easy to see how Agbo would be a net-positive with the Grizzlies this summer. Advertisement The 6-foot-7, 230-pound Grizzlies prospect is a Desmond Bane clone in a slightly taller, stronger package, having hit 208 of 542 threes over the past three seasons in two different programs. Agbo could step into a GG Jackson or Brandon Clarke role almost immediately and provide 80% of the production for a fraction of the price. Related: Grizzlies give 7-foot insurance policies final look before 2025 NBA Draft Related: Grizzlies rumors: Memphis' Jaren Jackson Jr. 'focus' after Desmond Bane trade
GMA Network
26-06-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
NBA: Grizzlies trade 4 picks for Cedric Coward
Jun 25, 2025; Cedric Coward stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 11th pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft (Photo: Brad Penner-Imagn Images/REUTERS) The Memphis Grizzlies made one of the first big moves on NBA Draft night by sending two first-round picks and two second-rounders to the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 11 overall selection, which they used to take Washington State guard Cedric Coward on Wednesday night. The Grizzlies sent the No. 16 pick in the 2025 draft, a 2028 first-round pick (via the Orlando Magic) and two second-round selections to acquire the 6-foot-6 Coward, who began his college career playing Division III basketball but kept climbing the ladder with an automatic jumper, a 7-foot-2 wingspan and an indefatigable work ethic. Coward averaged 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds in six games last year for Washington State before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery. He committed to transfer to Duke for the upcoming season but opted to stay in the draft after earning rave reviews. The Houston Rockets selected Duke freshman center Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 pick overall, but he will be shipped to the Phoenix Suns as part of a deal reported Sunday that will send future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant from the Suns to the Rockets. The trade will be executed on July 6. Phoenix made another splash moments earlier, acquiring center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets for the No. 29 selection (UConn guard Liam McNeeley) and a 2029 first-round pick. The 2029 selection will be the least favorable of Cleveland, Minnesota (1-5 protected) and Utah. Williams, a three-year veteran, averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 44 games with Charlotte last season. As lottery picks kept going off the board, teams kept working their way up in the draft. The New Orleans Pelicans sent their first-rounder (23rd overall, Georgia's Asa Newell) and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick (most favorable of Milwaukee and New Orleans) to the Atlanta Hawks for the 13th overall pick. The Pelicans used it to select Maryland freshman center Derik Queen, who earned the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year award ahead of the Rutgers duo of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. The 6-foot-10 big man averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in 36 games with the Terrapins. The Utah Jazz entered the fray shortly after, acquiring the No. 18 pick from the Washington Wizards. Utah gave up picks No. 21 (Illinois guard Will Riley) and No. 43 as well as 2031 and 2032 second-round selections to draft Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. The first-team All-American was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. The Kings reportedly dealt their 2027 first-round pick to the champion Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the 24th overall pick, which Sacramento used to select Colorado State guard Nique Clifford. The Indiana Pacers made the first trade on draft night. A week after trading away their first-round pick, they acquired a second-round pick from the San Antonio Spurs shortly before the draft began. The Pacers landed the 38th overall pick from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for the Kings' second-round selection in 2030 plus cash considerations. Indiana acquired the 2030 pick in a deal for shooting guard Chris Duarte in 2023. After trading the 23rd selection to the New Orleans Pelicans last week to reacquire their 2026 first-rounder, the Pacers now have picks No. 38 and 54 in this year's draft. The 2026 pick initially was included in the deal to acquire Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. Toronto then shipped it to New Orleans as part of a package for Brandon Ingram. Coming off a devastating Game 7 loss to the Thunder in the NBA Finals, the Pacers may look to add depth with the extra pick. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon on a non-contact play seven minutes into Game 7 and is expected to miss most or all of the 2025-26 season. --Field Level Media/Reuters
