Things have been far from going in the right direction for the Grizzlies in their early-season slate, but they can hang their hat on their rookie wing being a real player for them. Cedric Coward became an intriguing prospect on various teams' draft boards during the 2025 NBA Draft, leading to the Grizzlies trading up to select him with the 11th overall pick of the draft.
He repaid them with an excellent start to the season, as he owned a 72.2 true shooting percentage through his first seven career games, which was the highest in NBA history for rookies with a minimum of 60 field goal attempts.
His impact on both ends of the court has been most impressive, and even in his worst shooting performance in their most recent game against the Rockets, he led the team with nine rebounds. Coward wasn't on the Rookie of the Year radar when the season began, but he has played his way into being a legitimate challenger for a team that is accustomed to having one.
Coward ranked 2nd on Kia Rookie Ladder for second straight week
Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe continues to be the most impressive rookie in the early season, but he and Coward appeared to have their worst game on the same night. Both players shot their worst in a game this season and scored a season low in points on November 5th. However, Coward will have his first head-to-head matchup with Rookie of the Year favorite Cooper Flagg on November 7th.
Flagg had a slow start to the season playing out of position for the Mavericks, but has played well enough to warrant a number three ranking on the Kia Rookie Ladder behind Edgecombe and Coward. This is the type of matchup that Coward will have to produce to have a chance at closing the gap for Rookie of the Year honors against the number one overall pick.
What's most impressive about Coward's start to his rookie season is that he has been the Grizzlies' third most productive player coming off the bench. The countdown for him to enter the starting lineup has begun, so the best of what he has likely has another step to take. His poise and demeanor, along with his potential, have Grizzlies fans excited for this season and the future.
The Desmond Bane trade will ultimately be judged by Coward's development and the Grizzlies' future selection of the other first-round picks received. Everything from Cedric Coward's end looks like a steal, and he will only continue to get better as he plays more NBA games.