The long-awaited and anticipated debut of Cedric Coward finally transpired in the Grizzlies' first preseason game against the Detroit Pistons. The rookie lottery pick the team traded up for hadn't played in an organized basketball game since suffering a torn rotator cuff in his last college season last November.
After missing the summer league due to rehab of the surgically repaired shoulder, Coward made his NBA debut roughly midway through the first quarter, coming off the bench. He quickly made an impact with an assist and drew a charge on defense to show his high basketball IQ. The rookie is expected to make an impact for the Grizzlies, and his first preseason game showed promising signs of what's to come.
His defensive potential was on display
Coward is listed at 6'6" and 213 lbs with a 7'2" wingspan that intrigued multiple teams in the draft, which ultimately led to the Grizzlies using an additional first-round pick to trade up five spots to select him. That stature immediately popped out, and he quickly enamored the fanbase by drawing the above-mentioned charge on a drive by Pistons guard Jaden Ivey.
He forced a turnover with his first and only steal in the fourth quarter after missing a midrange shot, which showed his will to keep playing hard despite struggling on offense. Coward only played 18 minutes, but displayed the defensive potential the Grizzlies wanted to see from him.
His rebounding will be a necessity
The Grizzlies got outrebounded 55-38, which coincides with their losses of Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke for at least the next month. Cedric Coward finished third on the team with five rebounds (all defensive) and will likely be what keeps him in the playing rotation once everyone is healthy.
Getting extra rebounds from perimeter guys is just as important as the bigs because of the team rebounding aspect. While Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke are out, the Grizzlies will need to get as many players to rebound as they can, and Cedric Coward showed he can aid in that department in his first NBA game.
Offense is what sells tickets, so most will hold onto his 1 point on 0-7 (0-4 from three) shooting performance for a player who shot nearly 60% from the field and 40% from three in his three collegiate seasons. However, considering he played his first game in 11 months and first in the NBA, the rookie showed he can produce in other areas when his shot isn't falling.