Cedric Coward is among the Memphis Grizzlies players expected to participate in the upcoming summer league. This event is crucial for showcasing the team's young talent before the regular season resumes in October.
Key points
Cedric Coward is expected to play in the summer league.
The Grizzlies' regular season resumes in October.
Summer league is crucial for evaluating young talent.
Memphis aims to develop its roster for future decisions.
Memphis GrizzliesCedric Coward
Cedric Coward among current Grizzlies expecting to play in summer league
Regular season Memphis Grizzlies basketball wonât be played again until October, but that doesnât mean meaningful games wonât take place.
In between the end of the 2025-26 and start of the next campaign, Grizzlies fans could see a glimpse of the rosterâs best youthful talent in summer league action.
Summer league isnât as meaningful to some franchises, but for a team like the Grizzlies, itâs a pivotal stretch. Memphis is in a position where the growth of its young players will play a major role in future decisions.
GG Jackson is only 21 years of age, but heâll be entering his fourth season. Thatâs usually enough to earn a graduation from summer league action. Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells are also not expected to play after undergoing season-ending procedures.
Rayan Rupert, who was signed to a two-way contract in March, wouldnât mind playing summer league action for the Grizzlies, but heâs entering free agency. That decision will ultimately come down to Memphis.
This yearâs Las Vegas summer league action will take place from July 9-19.
Who is Cedric Coward and what is his role with the Grizzlies?
Cedric Coward is a player for the Memphis Grizzlies, expected to showcase his skills during the summer league.
When does the Memphis Grizzlies summer league take place?
The Memphis Grizzlies summer league games will occur between the end of the 2025-26 season and the start of the next campaign in October.
Why is the summer league important for the Memphis Grizzlies?
The summer league is important for the Grizzlies as it allows them to evaluate the growth of their young players, which will influence future team decisions.
What can Grizzlies fans expect from the summer league?
Grizzlies fans can expect to see a glimpse of the team's best youthful talent as they compete in the summer league.
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Mar 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Jan 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) blocks a shot from Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) shoot the ball as Hawksâ Luke Kennard (4) guards him during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum on January 21, 2026.
Jan 11, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Grizzlies' Ja Morant (12) and Cedric Coward (23) high five in a timeout during the game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on December 26, 2025.
Memphis Grizzliesâ Cedric Coward (23) reacts after making a shot against the Utah Jazz during a game on Dec. 12, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Grizzliesâ Cedric Coward (23) attempts a lay up against the Utah Jazz during a game on Dec. 12, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Dec 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) dunks during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Dec 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) and guard Kris Dunn (8) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward (23) after a play agains the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward (23) drives in against Sacramento Kings forward/center Drew Eubanks (19) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Nov 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts after drawing a foul in overtime against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Nov 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) dribbles as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) and forward Cameron Johnson (23) defend during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Nov 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) passes the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) loses the ball beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Nov 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) drives between Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7), forward Sam Hauser (30) and center Luka Garza (52) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Brooks Barnhizer (23) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Nov 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) shoots the ball against Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) drives to the basket as Rockets' Alperen Sengun (28) guards him during the game between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 5, 2025.
Rockets' Kevin Durant (7) drives to the basket as Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) guards him during the game between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 5, 2025.
Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) passes the ball during the game between the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on November 3, 2025.
Nov 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick (1) tries to defend during the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (14) tries to defend during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzliesâ Cedric Coward (23) looks to make a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during a game on Oct. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Grizzliesâ Cedric Coward (23) attempts a shot against the Los Angeles Lakersâ Deandre Ayton (5) during a game on Oct. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cedric Coward arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cedric Coward stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 11th pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Mar 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Mar 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Jan 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) blocks a shot from Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) shoot the ball as Hawksâ Luke Kennard (4) guards him during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum on January 21, 2026.
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Jan 11, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Grizzlies' Ja Morant (12) and Cedric Coward (23) high five in a timeout during the game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on December 26, 2025.
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Memphis Grizzliesâ Cedric Coward (23) reacts after making a shot against the Utah Jazz during a game on Dec. 12, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Memphis Grizzliesâ Cedric Coward (23) attempts a lay up against the Utah Jazz during a game on Dec. 12, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Dec 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) dunks during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Dec 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Dec 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) and guard Kris Dunn (8) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 30, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward (23) after a play agains the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 30, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward (23) drives in against Sacramento Kings forward/center Drew Eubanks (19) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts after drawing a foul in overtime against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) dribbles as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) and forward Cameron Johnson (23) defend during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) passes the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) loses the ball beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) drives between Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7), forward Sam Hauser (30) and center Luka Garza (52) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 9, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Brooks Barnhizer (23) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) shoots the ball against Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) drives to the basket as Rockets' Alperen Sengun (28) guards him during the game between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 5, 2025.
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Rockets' Kevin Durant (7) drives to the basket as Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) guards him during the game between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 5, 2025.
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) passes the ball during the game between the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on November 3, 2025.
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick (1) tries to defend during the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Nov 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (14) tries to defend during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Memphis Grizzliesâ Cedric Coward (23) looks to make a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during a game on Oct. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Memphis Grizzliesâ Cedric Coward (23) attempts a shot against the Los Angeles Lakersâ Deandre Ayton (5) during a game on Oct. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cedric Coward arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cedric Coward stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 11th pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
If thereâs a player who could take a leap and shorten his summer league stint, itâs Cedric Coward. He had a strong rookie season, but he knows his areas of weakness.
Coward is a potential swing piece for Memphis long term. He could be anything from a star to a three-and-d role player with limited playmaking.
Being better on and off the ball and working on ball handling are near the top of Cowardâs list of improvements.
What excites Coward most is the ability to have a full offseason to work on his game. Last offseason, he didnât participate in summer league or five-on-five action in pre-draft workouts due to a previous shoulder injury.
He said heâs expecting to play in summer league.
âNow that (the shoulder injury) is behind me and God forbid any other injuries or any nagging things, the sky is the limit,â Coward said. âAll I can is come next season, youâll see the progress.â
Javon Small was sneakingly impressive as a rookie. He was thrown into a rotation role at the start of his career due to injuries at point guard. He had his struggles before his own injury eventually sidelined him.
Small finished the season averaging 9.7 points and 3.7 assists in 41 games.
He remains on a two-way contract. The next step for Small should be playing enough that he turns that deal into a standard contract.
Walter Clayton Jr. was a first-round pick in the same class as Small, but it feels like heâs lower in the pecking order after an uninspiring start in Memphis. Clayton did find his way to better results late in the season.
In four April games, Clayton had his most efficient stretch with the Grizzlies. After shooting 38.4% from the friend, Clayton said efficiency is at the top of list for improvement.
Several Grizzlies players quality for the student of the game title, but Jahmai Mashack may be at the top. Heâs a guy who likes to watch film extensively while learning from his mistakes and studying some of the leagueâs best.
Mashackâs future role in Memphis is unknown. He played everything from point guard to center when available, but he seems to have an idea for what that role could look like.
Mashack believes in his ability to get downhill offensively and kicking out to shooters. He wants to improve his ability to be a catch-and-shoot threat.
âIâm a guy who really believes I can be a 1-of-1 player,â Mashack said. âI know that sounds crazy to anybody that just watches basketball and doesnât know a lot about me, but thatâs truly how I think of myself.â
