Cedric Coward Shrugs Off Rookie Wall for Grizzlies

Cedric Coward says he is not worried about the rookie wall, bluntly adding "I only fear God." The No. 11 pick has quietly become a regular for the Grizzlies, averaging 14 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists across 37 games and 24 starts. His shooting is the headline: 55.7 percent from the floor and 40 percent from deep, ranking him sixth among rookies in field goals and threes made. With Ja Morant sidelined and reportedly available in trade talks, Memphis may need Coward to be more than a surprise story. Merlin sees the unusual arc here: a DIII start, stops for injury, then a rapid rise to starter and a 27-point outburst in his third game. Coward’s calm, “one game at a time” routine and elite shooting fit Memphis’ culture. The real test will be stamina and adjustments as teams game-plan him.