Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward joins team in Vegas: 'Glad I was able to finally make it'

Yahoo

16-07-2025

LAS VEGAS — Cedric Coward, the Memphis Grizzlies' 2025 first-round draft pick, has been noticeably missing from the bench during summer league action, but that's about to change.
Coward arrived July 14 in Las Vegas to be with the Grizzlies for the remainder of summer league. The team had decided that it was best for him to continue rehabbing his shoulder in Memphis before joining his new teammates, something he had "mixed feelings" about.
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He was scheduled to arrive on July 13 but was thwarted by a delayed flight.
"I've been gone too long," Coward told The Commercial Appeal. "I'm glad I was able to finally make it."
"I wanted to come and be around the team, but at the same time, I'm here now and that's all that matters," he added later.
The Grizzlies have two more scheduled games in Las Vegas. Coward — who missed most of last season at Washington State because of the shoulder injury — was considered doubtful to play heading into summer league, and that hasn't changed.
"No, I don't think we'll see him (play) during the summer league," Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said on July 12.
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When Coward was introduced by the Grizzlies after the draft, he stated that he believed he could play right away. He reiterated that point in Las Vegas, but he seems to have a better understanding of the steps he'll take before getting game action.
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said Coward needed to go through contact drills before being cleared to play.
"It's definitely still a process that's ongoing," Coward said. "To make sure you're building strength and to make sure you can hit the gas pedal right away into flooring instead of easing in. Honestly, it's gotten a lot further along than anticipated."
For now, he will have to settle for watching his teammates, and he has done a lot of that, saying he has seen every minute of every game.
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Memphis will be back in action on July 15 against the Golden State Warriors (9:30 p.m. CT, NBA TV).
"I watch and see how I would fit in there and see what I can contribute to the team," Coward said. "Honestly, I just love the energy we play with, too."
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [e-mail]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Cedric Coward joins Memphis Grizzlies at summer league, talks injury