Memphis Grizzlies trade up, pick Washington State's Cedric Coward at No. 11 in 2025 NBA Draft
Coward, a 6-foot-6 forward, played six games with Washington State last season after transferring from Eastern Washington. He averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists with the Cougars before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
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Memphis is sending the Portland Trail Blazers its No. 16 overall pick, a 2028 first-round pick from the Orlando Magic and two second-round picks.
Before transferring to Washington State, Coward averaged 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and shot 38.3% on 3-pointers as a sophomore at Eastern Washington.
He originally announced his commitment to Duke while also entering the draft. He became one of the fastest risers at the NBA draft combine after a standout performance in May. He begin to rise up boards and ultimately stayed in the draft.
Memphis has targeted adding wings who can make a two-way impact. Coward, 21, is expected to be a player who can provide solid offense and a boost with his defensive upside.
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The Grizzlies are revamping their roster on the perimeter after trading Desmond Bane on June 15.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies select Cedric Coward at No. 11 in 2025 NBA Draft
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