When the Memphis Grizzlies traded up to select Cedric Coward at the 2025 NBA Draft, the response was consistent. Few questioned why Memphis was interested in selecting Coward, but the steady theme was that the decision to move up depleted the value of the addition.
It's only taken Coward five games to dispel the negative beliefs and prove exactly why Memphis was wise to trade up to bring him into the fold.
The Grizzlies moved up five spots from No. 16 to No. 11 in order to add Coward at the 2025 NBA Draft. It sent the Portland Trail Blazers a package of the No. 16 pick, a 2028 first rounder, and two second-round selections split between 2027 and 2028.
Kevin Pelton of ESPN ultimately gave Memphis a C- grade for the 2025 NBA Draft, praising Coward as a prospect but questioning the decision to trade up for him.
"In this case, Memphis sent one of the unprotected Orlando first-round picks acquired in theDesmond Bane trade to move up five picks, which is questionable value, at best. Don't take this as an indictment of Coward, who ranked 13th in the stats-only version of my projections. But I would have waited at least until either Coward or Carter Bryant (No. 14) was off the board before moving up."
With a surplus of draft picks still at their disposal and Coward showing out, the Grizzlies are already looking the part of draft-night geniuses.
Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward is proving to be worth trading up for
Coward, 22, has hit the ground running in the NBA. Through five games, he's averaging 16.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.6 blocks, and 2.2 three-point field goals made in just 24.4 minutes per contest.
Those numbers translate to captivating marks of 23.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 3.2 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
Clearly, Coward's efficiency will level out as his current slash line of .651/.647/.929 is simply unsustainable. He's a young player who acts decisively on both ends of the floor, however, and has made his mark by proving himself adaptable.
Coward isn't just spotting up and burying open shots, but is moving without the ball and converting everything from alley-oops and finger rolls to floaters and fadeaway jumpers.
That was on full display when he scored a career-high 27 points in just 24 minutes against the Indiana Pacers. He's also scored at least 14 points in three of his other four appearances, bottoming out at nine points on 4-of-6 shooting against the Golden State Warriors.
There will be an eventual learning curve, but Coward's extreme efficiency shouldn't be confused with his being a flash in the pan.
Cedric Coward is executing in sustainable ways for the Grizzlies
Coward's offensive eruptions have come about due to an invaluable skill that projects to set the tone for a memorable career: He knows how to play off of his teammates. He moves well without the ball, finding pockets of space in opposing defenses and adjusting his positioning to ensure optimal passing lanes exist.
Whether he's filling the lane at a perfect angle in transition, punishing defenses for helping off of him, or perfectly positioning himself to catch and shoot off of screens, Coward is fundamentally sound.
In addition to having the fundamentals to excel, Coward shows no hesitation when going up into his jumper. He seems perfectly aware of how quickly a defender can close the distance, as he all but instantaneously goes from catching a pass to getting a shot off with his high and swift release.
Compounded by an already impressive ability to attack closeouts, Coward is making it crystal clear that defenders can't double off of him without expecting him to make them pay.
With a go-to skill already established, other elements of Coward's game are coming into focus. He utilizes his size remarkably well for a first-year player, fighting through contact for difficult finishes around the basket and bullying smaller defenders when they get in his way.
Five games can't make or break a reputation, but Coward is proving early on that the Grizzlies were wise to trade up for his potential.