Memphis Grizzlies fans were anxious all summer about the status of their lottery pick, Cedric Coward. He hasn't played a basketball game since November last year at Washington State and missed the Grizzlies' summer league while recovering from a partially torn rotator cuff. Well, the fanbase can breathe a sigh of relief as the incoming rookie wing was 100% cleared for basketball activities in August.
He threw out the ceremonial first pitch in the local Memphis Redbirds baseball game on September 20th with the surgically repaired shoulder. Shortly afterward, he confirmed to Commercial Appeal's Damichael Cole that he is cleared to play.
The aura of Cedric Coward grew within the fan base during pre-draft workouts as the team gained a lottery pick just 10 days before the NBA Draft. His size, length, and production in college gave the team enough conviction to trade up five spots to take him with the 11th overall pick of the draft. Now, the proving grounds for his NBA career begin.
Coward has Secondary Star Potential
Many people in national circles had high praise for the Grizzlies' selection of Cedric Coward in the NBA Draft. The team has lacked a player with star potential at the wing position for years, and he checks many boxes for a team in search of that type of player. His 7'2" wingspan puts him in a class of a few wing position players, but with promise based on the names. Notable players that fit this build are former Grizzlies trade targets Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
Also, he was a near 40% shooter from three in his college career, so at worst, he slots in as a 3-and-D player who can operate in lineups with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. His near 60% field goal percentage in college is the stat that stands out, as it shows his effectiveness in putting the basketball in the basket at an extremely high level.
The Grizzlies' fanbase was disappointed that he was unable to play in the summer league, but they can take solace in the fact that he is now able to participate in training camp. As a rookie who will be close to a year without playing in a basketball game, expectations should be tempered to start this season. However, if he shows flashes of a player that can make a star leap by year two or three, the Grizzlies will be vaulted into championship contenders sooner than later.