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6d ago

Memphis Grizzlies Trade Four Picks to Land Cedric Coward at No. 11

Coward’s rise from Division III basketball to a first-round pick underscored the Grizzlies’ bold draft-night strategy

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Khaman Maluach stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the tenth pick by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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FILE PHOTO" Jun 22, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) watches a game between the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky in the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • The Grizzlies sent two first-round and two second-round selections to the Trail Blazers to secure the No. 11 overall pick.
  • Coward rose from Division III Willamette to Eastern Washington and Washington State, where he averaged 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds in six games before a shoulder injury.
  • A strong performance at the NBA Combine led Coward to forgo his Duke commitment and remain in the draft.
  • During the live broadcast, Malika Andrews mistakenly announced Colin Cowherd before correcting the pick to Cedric Coward.
  • Standing 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Coward brings defensive versatility and three-point shooting as a potential replacement for Desmond Bane.