This season for the Memphis Grizzlies has been a whirlwind of emotions so far.

Ja Morant has been inconsistent again — something Grizz fans are starting to notice as a trend. He had a public clash with his head coach.

Jaren Jackson Jr. looks lost on the court at times. Well, most of the time.

Injuries continue to be a thorn in the franchise’s side as well. The Grizzlies PR account on X is quite possibly the most unpopular account in the fandom. However, amongst all of this surrounding the franchise, there are some bright spots.

The brightest, unquestionably, is the play of their first-round pick, Cedric Coward.

Cowards Offensive Ability

Cedric Coward is a special talent on both ends of the floor. In 12 starts, he’s averaging 12.5 points per game. He ranks fifth amongst all rookies in total points per game, and fourth for rebounds with 6.2 per game.

While other rookies ahead of him have started the season since day one, Coward has earned his starting spot thanks to his play on the court and continued fan pressure.

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For the 11th pick in the NBA draft, these numbers wildly exceed his expectations, even though there were high hopes placed on him by various draft analysts.

His shooting has been solid. He’s shooting 46% from the field; however, he’s only making 32% of his attempts from three. Obviously, that’s a number most would like to be higher, but in spite of the shooting struggles, he’s proving he can score in multiple ways. 

Cowards Defensive Ability

Coward is proving to be a lock down defender. To make it plain and simple: the Grizzlies are a better defensive team when Coward is on the floor. Their defensive rating drops from 118.7 with Coward off the court to 112.0 when he is on the court.

Thanks to his wingspan, and impressive lateral movements, Coward can defend the pick and roll, switching onto multiple positions. The Grizzlies’ coaching staff often gives him the defensive assignment of guarding the opposing team’s best player.

He’s efficiently able to guard other wings, as well as smaller guards an incredibly valuable skill when it comes to today’s offenses that involve so many picks and rolls.

Amongst the top rookie wings, Coward is the best defensive rebounder of the group. Though you can make a case for others, Coward consistently draws tougher assignments than the rest.

Case For ROTY

Will Cedric Coward win the ROTY? The jury is out. However, the case is there.

His offensive game is smooth, and he makes smart, effective decisions on that end of the court. Coward plays like he’s been in the NBA for years. It’s difficult at times to think that he is a rookie while on the court.

Coward ranks in the 86th percentile in matchup difficulty on the defensive side of the court, according to bball-index. In a season where the Grizzlies continue to battle off court issues and injures, he has been a welcomed site for sore eyes.

The Grizzlies are simply better both offensively and defensively when Coward plays. His consistent play has eased most Grizz fans’ worst nightmares about the season, and the future of the club. His stats may not outshine other rookies on the surface; however, his combination of impact on the team, shooting, rebounding, and his defensive prowess makes him an exciting, and complete, first year player.