It has been four days since the Grizzlies last played a basketball game, which was a 119-96 win over the Portland Trail Blazers to continue their streak of winning seven of their last nine games. Two nights before that saw them defeat the Los Angeles Clippers for the second time in seven days with a 107-98 win at home.
Grizzlies rookie wing Cedric Coward began the season on fire as one of their better bench players, which led to a promotion to the starting lineup. However, despite his positive impact on both ends of the court, his efficiency began to slip, leading him to fall from second in the Kia Rookie Ladder to fourth in consecutive weeks.
However, his best game as a starter came in their home win against the Clippers last week, against the player many compare him to in Kawhi Leonard. He was so impressive that he even got to talk to the usually non-talkative Leonard after the game in a moment that could determine the trajectory of his career.
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— eric (@EricTweetsNBA) December 6, 2025
Cedric Coward is embracing the Kawhi Leonard comparison
The Grizzlies' latest battle with the Clippers saw Cedric Coward go toe-to-toe with Kawhi Leonard, as both players led their teams in scoring and rebounding. Coward, specifically, finished that game with his fourth double-double of the season with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, helping lead Memphis to the nine-point victory.
Going into the NBA Draft this summer, Cedric Coward's rise up the boards coincided with Kawhi Leonard comparisons. He immediately displayed some of those comparisons when the season started with his defensive upside, while providing efficient scoring on the offensive end. Golden State's Draymond Green even gave him the Kawhi Leonard comparison nod last month.
When Cedric Coward was asked about his interaction with Kawhi following their last game, he mentioned that he is always trying to learn from the greats and guys that he's being compared to. He also mentioned that he has to find a way to get in contact with Leonard so he can ask to work out with him in the summertime.
Not only does it feel like Coward isn't shying away from the Kawhi Leonard comparison, but he appears to be embracing the expectations of becoming a great player. The Grizzlies have faced the Clippers twice this season and will see them again in Los Angeles this upcoming Monday for their third matchup. Maybe Coward can exchange numbers with Leonard this time around so he be granted the offseason workout with the player he is mostly compared to.