The Memphis Grizzlies may have struck gold with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The 2025 NBA Draft is headlined by Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecomb, and more.
These are some of the most talked about rookies, but there are some pretty underrated prospects selected by the Memphis Grizzlies.
That person is none other than 11th overall pick Cedric Coward, who is off to a great start to his rookie year.
When the Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, it meant the organization needed a talented shooting guard.
Jalen Wells remains the Grizzlies’ starting shooting guard, but Coward has surprised many in the first three games of the season.
Coward is averaging 19.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 70.4 percent from the field and 72.7 percent from the three-point line.
The rookie guard had the best performance of his young career in the Grizzlies’ recent matchup with the Indiana Pacers.
Coward had 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists in just 24 minutes, leading the Grizzlies to a 128-103 victory over the Pacers.
It may be too early to call him a bona fide star for the Grizzlies, but it was a great start for the No. 11 overall pick.
Coward spent three years with a major NCAA program before declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft.
During his tenure, he recorded 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Coward shot 59.5 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from the 3-point line in college.
The 22-year-old Coward has honed his skills well enough that being drafted by the Grizzlies ensures he will have the opportunity to showcase them on a nightly basis.
Will he continue to play at this level or was he just doing well? Time will tell.