The post What the Grizzlies Know About Cedric Coward Who Is ‘Igniting’ Rookie of the Year Rise appeared first on ClutchPoints.
As the Memphis Grizzlies navigate the demanding holiday stretch of their schedule, one of the most encouraging developments has been the rise of rookie power forward Cedric Coward. What started as a careful, managed, few-minute introduction to NBA life quickly blossomed into a significant rotation role. Tuomas Iisalo’s recent comments shed light on why the team is beefing up Coward’s role just in time for the celebratory frenzy.
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The Iisalo Ja Morant-less Grizzlies’ attempt to climb back into the top six in the Western Conference is experiencing the usual mid-season bumps. Amid all the rejected drama, Coward earned the trust of the coaching staff. The rookie has simply been undeniably good, exceeding expectations since returning from a lengthy injury rehabilitation.
“Ced has had a great start to the season,” Iisalo told ClutchPoints. “We obviously had the minutes restriction (to start the season). He’s not completely released, but he did a great job in those minutes.”
Coward’s initial impact came from doing simple things powerfully. His transition speed, willingness to run the field and comfort on offense gave Memphis an energetic boost on the wing. Iisalo noted that Coward has expanded his skillset more quickly than expected as a finisher and secondary creator.
“Whether it was just sprinting the ground or playing fences, he also added some creativity to his game,” Iisalo noted. “There are off-ball screens and pick-and-rolls which are encouraging for a 6-foot-6 wing.”
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Heading into the holidays, with games often coming in quick succession, the Grizzlies view Coward as a key to maintaining energy and spacing, especially if veterans need rest or injuries arise.
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But it’s not just on offense where Coward is making his mark. Iisalo was particularly impressed with the rookie’s defensive instincts, which allowed the team to experiment with more flexible formations.
“Defensively (Coward) was very versatile,” Iisalo added. “He is already, in his first year, a great secondary rim protector. That’s something you don’t see often on the wings. He also helps us rebound the ball, which triggers our counterattack.”
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Coward’s ability to guard multiple positions, clean up possessions on the glass and immediately fuel the transition offense fits the identity Memphis hopes to rely on while dealing with injuries and heavy workloads.
Although Cedric Coward is still working his way out of early-season minutes restrictions, his rapid development suggests those limitations may soon be lifted entirely. For now, the Grizzlies are content to watch their promising wing continue to grow in his role, providing exactly the kind of energy and versatility that championship contenders need from their depth pieces during the most demanding stretch of the season.
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