The Memphis Grizzlies have started 4-11 and the season has not gone as planned. But one thing they can feel good about is 22-year-old rookie Cedric Coward delivering strong minutes and showing real potential.
Coward went 11th overall to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft before being traded to Memphis for Hansen Yang and draft assets. This season, he is putting up 14.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists on 47.7% shooting from the field and has already brought impressive defense and hustle.
With Coward continuing to impress, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green could not shake off the comparison on his mind. In a strong statement, he says Coward mirrors two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard.
“He’s already a really good defender. At this age right now, he’s a better shooter than Kawhi was, not quite as athletic as Kawhi was, but I think Cedric Coward’s player comparison is a healthy Kawhi Leonard,” Draymond stated.
👀 👀 “He could 1000% be like Kawhi Leonard.” Tools, size, defense, and shooting are all there for the rookie. pic.twitter.com/lfcxDXaZDu
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) November 19, 2025
