He may not have entered the NBA with a lot of hype compared to his fellow rookies, but Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward has been a pleasant surprise.
Coward, the 11th overall pick out of Washington State, has earned a role with his workaholic attitude, providing the Grizzlies with toughness and toughness on both ends. He has started 35 games.
The 22-year-old newcomer said he will only improve as he progresses biggest lesson What he’s learned so far is to “keep it simple.”
“I found it out when we played the OKC (Thunder) at home. The last possession, (Alex) Caruso put me in a box. I was too complicated in what I was trying to do,” Coward said on “The Kevin O’Connor Show.”
“I wish I could get that moment back. I know I’ll get that moment again, maybe it won’t be against Caruso, but I know that moment will come again.”
Cedric Coward says Alex Caruso “put me in a box,” and shares valuable lessons he learned against an all-world defender. @ACFresh21 https://t.co/20R63KDpR5 pic.twitter.com/fcL7Th7HtW
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) 17 February 2026
He said that he has learned to let the game come to him instead of making a big deal out of the issue. At a young age, Coward has a mature mentality and battling experienced opponents like Caruso has given him a greater understanding of the NBA.
“Get in your space and do what you’re comfortable doing and don’t really worry about what they’re going to do,” Coward said.
“So for me, don’t do anything crazy, and at the same time, get the matchups I want. I would love to go against anyone other than Caruso on that Thunder team.”
Coward was named among the rising stars at All-Star Weekend, but was unable to play due to a knee injury.
He averaged 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
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