The Grizzlies' preseason slate hasn't been kind to the team and the fanbase as they have lost each of their first three games, all in Memphis. Now, the team will hit the road for their final two preseason games, but with a positive development from their rookie lottery pick, Cedric Coward.
Coward's final college season ended in November of last year after he underwent shoulder surgery, and he wasn't cleared to resume playing activities until last month. He began his first preseason game showing glimpses of defensive potential, but struggled on the offensive end with only one point on 0-7 shooting in his NBA debut against the Pistons.
Despite his overall shooting performance leaving a lot to be desired throughout his first three games, the fourth quarter of the last two games has shown why the Grizzlies, and others, were high on him in the draft.
Coward has improved each game
Cedric Coward received his first start in the NBA preseason in the Memphis' second game against the Boston Celtics. His shooting struggles continued after he finished the game 4-13 from the field and 0-5 from three. However, his fourth quarter effort included him scoring nine of his 15 points on 3-7 shooting.
He also ended that game with six rebounds and two steals to continue showing the defensive versatility that will be needed from his position. What was most impressive from Coward was his ability to draw fouls and get easy points as he shot 7-7 from the free throw line to offset his shooting struggles.
After beginning his third game against the Atlanta Hawks 1-4 through three quarters coming off the bench, Coward scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to execute back-to-back games of offensive potential in the final quarter. He shot 6-7 from the free throw line and made his first three of the preseason.
The Grizzlies have to be pleased with the performance of their rookie despite the shooting struggles. If he hasn't shown anything else, he has shown that he has a short attention span when it comes to rebounding from struggles. Considering he hasn't had an opportunity to play with the Grizzlies' best players in Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., it offers hope that easier baskets will present themselves when they return.
Outside of Morant, the Grizzlies haven't had many other players who can force their way to the free-throw line, but Coward, along with newcomer Ty Jerome, has shown that he can use his physicality to get free shots. Now, the rookie will play his first road games for a new test that the team feels confident that he will continue showing improvement.