2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Memphis Grizzlies Lottery Pick Cedric Coward
The Memphis Grizzlies have traded for Cedric Coward after the Portland Trail Blazers drafted Coward with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
Coward took an unconventional path to the draft, but he's still one of the higher-ranked prospects in this class, having racked up numerous accolades along the way.
The 21-year-old began his career at Division III Willamette, where he was named Northwest Conference Freshman of the Year and earned first-team honors. After transferring to Eastern Washington, he was named first-team All-Big Sky in 2024.
Coward then transferred to Washington State for the 2024โ25 season, where he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury just six games in. At the time, he was averaging a team-high 17.7 points per game.
Furthermore, Coward had committed to Duke in another NCAA transfer in April, all while testing the NBA draft waters. After posting strong measurements and showing well at the combine, he decommitted and stayed in the draft pool.
Coward measured a 7'2ยผ" wingspan at the combineโ11th overall and third among all non-centers.
He brings scoring versatility, flashes of playmaking feel and the tools to guard multiple positions.
He isn't a polished product, but if his shot translates and his feel scales up, his blend of size, skill and versatility could earn him early rotation minutes.
Coward is the No. 8 ranked prospect on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman's 2025 Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
College: Washington State | Position: SF/PF | Height: 6'6" | Weight: 213 lbs | Age: 21 | Vertical: 38.5" | Wingspan: 7'2ยผ" | PPG: 17.7 | RPG: 7 | APG: 3.7 | BPG: 1.7 | SPG: 0.8 | FG%: 55.7 | 3PT%: 40
Realistic Pro Comparison: Jarace Walker
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Coward and Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker both possess similar frames, and mirror the other's scoring versatility and passing instincts.
Both have strong builds and the skill sets to play either forward position. Both create unique positional advantages in different rotations.
The biggest question for both: do they possess one elite skill? It's hard to see. Meanwhile, their ceilings are limited to high-level role player.
Strengths
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Physical Tools: At 6'6" with a 7โฒ2ยผโณ wingspan, Coward brings positional versatility and defensive disruption.
Scoring Versatility: He operates effectively as a three-level scorer, having shot 40.0 percent from three. He looked comfortable in the mid-range and finished effectively around the basket.
Passing: Coward impressed with 3.7 assists per game, showing he can provide secondary playmaking by reading the floor and making smart, timely entry passes.
Weaknesses
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Sample Size: An injury forced Coward to miss this past season after just six games. Most of his production came years prior against mediocre opponents, and teams have seen no live action of him since November.
Athleticism: He lacks burst and vertical pop. He didn't look like he could easily blow by or separate out of isolation.
Defense: His discipline wasn't great on defense, where he gambled, picked up bad fouls and didn't lock in on closeouts.
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