Cedric Coward is putting up 14.3 points and 8.7 rebounds a night this season, through seven games, while using only 18.2% of possessions. That is the kind of production Memphis needs next to Ty Jerome and Cameron Boozer.
What is Cedric Coward's role on this roster?
He is a 23-year-old guard in his second year, and he plays 29.3 minutes a game, behind only Boozer and Jerome. He is not the one creating: his usage is 18.2% and his assist rate is 11.4%. He finishes plays, defends and cleans the glass, which suits a team that already has Jerome scoring 27.4 a night.
How real is his shooting this season?
He shoots 47.4% from the field, 50.0% from three on 5.4 attempts a game and 70.0% at the line, good for 60.7% true shooting. Seven games is a short run, and a 50% mark from deep will come down. He scored just 8 in the November 4 loss to the Pacers, a reminder that the nights are uneven.
Is a guard averaging 8.7 rebounds sustainable?
The 13.8% rebound rate says it is not a fluke of one big night. Only Boozer, at 9.8, grabs more on this roster. Zach Edey has 8.1 in 20.7 minutes. With Isaiah Stewart out, Coward crashing the glass from the wing gives the Grizzlies a second body on the boards.
What do his advanced numbers say?
His offensive rating is 126.9 and his defensive rating is 107.1, a net of plus 19.8. The team as a whole sits at 117.1 on offense, 106.8 on defense and plus 10.3. He also averages 1.6 steals against 1.4 turnovers. Those are impact numbers for a player who rarely dominates the ball.
What does his contract say, and is he healthy?
He makes $6.0M this season, $6.3M in 2027-28 and $8.3M in 2028-29. He is not on the injury report. Stewart and Scotty Pippen Jr. are both out with a listed return date of November 9, so a healthy Coward at 29.3 minutes carries more weight on the wing and the glass than his salary suggests.
What are Cedric Coward's stats this season?
Through seven games he averages 14.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals in 29.3 minutes, shooting 47.4% from the field and 50.0% from three.
How much does Cedric Coward make?
He is paid $6.0M this season, with $6.3M in 2027-28 and $8.3M in 2028-29.
