The rookie who is winning over the NBA and making the Memphis Grizzlies dream

The Memphis Grizzlies have started the 2025–26 season with a record of 2-1, putting them in the third position in the Western Conference. Although there are 79 games and six months of regular competition remaining, this strong start has fostered confidence and optimism both inside and outside the locker room. In the NBA, solid beginnings can serve as an emotional catalyst for players, coaches, management, and fans, especially when the team is able to compete and win despite the absence of several key rotation pieces.

Beyond the positive vibes, the Grizzlies have also discovered an unexpected source of excitement: their rookie Cedric Coward, the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft, who has emerged as a surprise contender for Rookie of the Year in just a few games.

In these early stages of the season, Coward has displayed an astonishing level of efficiency. He averages 19.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, with shooting percentages approaching perfection: 70.4% from the field, 72.7% from three-point range, and 91.7% from the free-throw line. His advanced metrics also impress: he has .329 in win shares per 48 minutes and a box plus-minus of +15.2, indicating his tangible impact on the court.

Among his peers, Coward is the second-leading scorer, trailing only Philadelphia 76ers' guard VJ Edgecombe (24.5 points per game). Furthermore, he ranks second in field goal percentage, first in three-point accuracy, and fifth in free throws among rookies averaging more than 10 points. While not prominent in assists volume, he also ranks among the top ten passers of his class. Beyond the numbers, his tactical maturity and consistency on both ends of the floor are truly surprising.

The Key to Stay in the Rookie of the Year Race

Statistically, Coward could already be considered one of the top contenders for the award. However, fans closely following accumulated figures might lean towards more high-profile names like Edgecombe himself, with 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, or other standout rookies like Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards) with 16.5 points and a 50% three-point shooting accuracy, or Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans) averaging 15.0 points in only 23 minutes.

Meanwhile, highly anticipated rookies—Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks), Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs), and Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz)—are still finding their rhythm, with shooting percentages below 40% and quieter efficiency contributions. In this context, Coward has seized the opportunity to emerge as an early revelation. Remaining in the race will hinge on his ability to combine offensive volume with sustained efficiency and defensive consistency.

Last year, the Grizzlies also had reasons to be excited about their young prospects. Both Zach Edey, drafted 9th overall in 2024, and Jaylen Wells, selected at 39, made it to the All-Rookie First Team, although neither managed to clinch the Rookie of the Year award.

With Cedric Coward, a similar scenario could unfold, although his initial performance hints even higher. If he can maintain his efficiency and continue to shine against the more high-profile names of his generation, the young forward could become the franchise's third Rookie of the Year, following Pau Gasol (2002) and Ja Morant (2020).

For now, his impact in Memphis is undeniable: energy, efficiency, and confidence in a team that believes once again that its future might arrive sooner than expected.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El rookie que está enamorando a la NBA y hace soñar a los Memphis Grizzlies