Grizzlies draft pick Cedric Coward signed to rookie-scale contract
Coward averaged 17.7 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 blocks on 40% shooting from 3-point range (12-of-30) at Washington State last season. He made just six appearances before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury in November.
He will make $5,715,120 next season, according to Spotrac.
The 6-foot-6 standout is highly touted because of his ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions, boasting a 7-foot, 2 1/4-inch wingspan. He also recorded a 38 1/2-inch max vertical jump at the draft combine in May, the ninth-highest mark among all participants.
Coward began playing at Willamette University (Division III). He transferred to Eastern Washington for two years and was named to the All-Big Sky first team during the 2023-24 season, averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 38.3% shooting from beyond the arc.
The 21-year-old initially declared for the draft while also entering the transfer portal at the end of the season. He committed to play at Duke for next season but ultimately kept his name in the draft after establishing himself as a likely lottery pick.
Coward is doubtful to play with the Grizzlies in the NBA Summer League as he continues to rehab that shoulder injury. He said after joining the Grizzlies that he felt ready to play, but the decision to clear him would likely be made by the team.
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