The Grizzlies' willingness to trade two of their first-round draft picks obtained by the Orlando Magic to trade up to select Cedric Coward showed they believe in him to solve their small forward problem. The small forward position is one of the most important positions in the NBA, as that position has consisted of the best player on championship-level teams more often than not.
Following a 2023 rookie campaign that saw him garner All-Rookie second team honors, GG Jackson was looked at as the small forward the team had been searching for since trading Rudy Gay during the 2013 season. Dillon Brooks was the best small forward the Grizzlies had had since that time, but GG Jackson and Cedric Coward appear to offer more scoring versatility than the former All-Defensive second team performer.
However, Cedric Coward is the new kid on the block with potential as a two-way prospect who could become a dynamic scorer, while possessing the ability to lock down his matchup on the opposite end. With this reality on the horizon, how should the Grizzlies approach Coward's usage for his rookie season?
Give Coward the opportunity to compete for a starting position in training camp
The Grizzlies have four returning starters in stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and second-year All-Rookie first team performers Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey. Jaylen Wells was the surprise starter to elevate last season after injuries opened the opportunity for him, which he never relinquished after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.
Jaylen Wells started at small forward for the majority of his rookie season, but began as a starter at shooting guard earlier in the season. He figures to eventually shift to shooting guard for the long term, and Cedric Coward has the chance to make that happen sooner. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provides the team with a veteran presence at shooting guard, but if the team is forward-thinking, they should consider pushing the Wells-Coward wing starters immediately.
The team has clearly taken a step back after trading Desmond Bane, but it has the potential to take two steps forward with the development of Cedric Coward. Beginning next season, experimenting with him playing as much as possible should be a priority for a team whose general manager admitted to the team not being close to title contention.
GG Jackson is still on the roster and expected to compete for the starting small forward position along with Coward, so the team has its pick of the litter between young, talented prospects. Regardless of the outcome, the Grizzlies made it clear they view Coward in high regard on draft night, and they should act on that premise this fall.