Memphis Grizzlies‘ Cedric Coward Emerges as Top NBA Rookie of the Year Contender in 2025-26 Season

In a season that’s already delivering high-octane drama, Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward has burst onto the NBA scene like a freight train, averaging 22.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game through the first 15 contests of the 2025-26 campaign. The 6-foot-7 forward from the University of Kentucky is not just turning heads in Memphis—he’s positioning himself as a legitimate threat in the Rookie of the Year race, helping propel the Grizzlies to third place in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.

Coward’s Meteoric Rise from College Courts to NBA Stardom

Cedric Coward’s journey to the NBA has been anything but ordinary. Drafted 12th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2025 NBA Draft, the 21-year-old phenom was seen as a high-upside pick with raw athleticism and a polished mid-range game. Coming off a stellar sophomore year at Kentucky, where he led the Wildcats to the Sweet 16 with averages of 18.7 points and 8.1 rebounds, Coward was pegged as a potential starter from day one. But few could have predicted just how quickly he’d adapt to the pro level.

His debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night set the tone: 25 points, including a game-winning three-pointer in overtime, as the Grizzlies edged out a 112-109 victory. Since then, Coward has been a revelation. In a recent matchup against the Denver Nuggets, he dropped 28 points and snagged 10 rebounds, showcasing his versatility as a scorer who can attack the rim, stretch the floor, and even facilitate in Ja Morant’s absence due to a minor ankle tweak. “Cedric’s fearlessness is infectious,” Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said after that game. “He’s playing like he’s been in this league for years, not months.”

Statistically, Coward’s impact is undeniable. He’s shooting 48.2% from the field and a surprising 39.1% from beyond the arc on 4.3 attempts per game—numbers that put him in elite company among rookies. His player efficiency rating (PER) stands at 21.3, second only to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s top pick in this year’s class. For the Memphis Grizzlies, who’ve long prided themselves on gritty, team-first basketball, Coward’s emergence feels like a perfect fit in their high-energy system.

Grizzlies Surge to Third in Western Conference Behind Rookie Firepower

The Memphis Grizzlies’ hot start to the 2025-26 NBA season has been nothing short of spectacular, with a 12-3 record that has them sitting pretty in third place in the Western Conference, just behind the red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves and the juggernaut Dallas Mavericks. Much of this success can be attributed to the seamless integration of Cedric Coward into the lineup, where he’s averaging 34.6 minutes per game alongside veterans like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Memphis has outscored opponents by an average of 8.7 points per game, a mark that’s tops in the Western Conference. Their defense, already a hallmark of the Jenkins era, has improved with Coward’s length and instincts on the perimeter, holding teams to 44.8% shooting from the field. Offensively, the Grizzlies are clicking at a blistering pace, ranking fourth in the NBA with 118.2 points per game. Coward’s ability to space the floor has opened driving lanes for Morant, who’s posting a career-high 26.1 points per contest when healthy.

One key game that highlighted the Grizzlies’ Western Conference dominance was their 105-98 road win over the Phoenix Suns last week. Coward contributed 20 points and five assists, including a crucial block on Devin Booker in the final minute. “We’re building something special here in Memphis,” Jackson Jr. told reporters post-game. “Cedric’s energy has raised everyone’s level—this is our city, and we’re taking it one win at a time.” With upcoming tilts against the Clippers and Warriors, the Grizzlies’ position in the Western Conference standings will be tested, but Coward’s steady production suggests they’re built for the long haul.

Rookie of the Year Buzz Heats Up: Coward vs. the Field

As the NBA Rookie of the Year conversation intensifies, Cedric Coward’s name is on everyone’s lips. Traditional favorites like the Thunder’s hypothetical top pick have faltered with turnovers and inconsistency, opening the door for the Grizzlies’ rookie to make a serious run. Voter fatigue from past races, where flashier names often dominate, could play in Coward’s favor if he maintains his efficiency and team success.

Analysts are already drawing parallels. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, in a recent breakdown, noted, “Coward’s two-way impact reminds me of Scottie Barnes’ ROY-winning season in 2021-22—versatile, smart, and winning basketball.” Indeed, Coward’s advanced metrics are glowing: a +9.2 net rating and 2.1 steals per game, making him a pest on defense. In a league where rookies rarely crack the top-10 in usage rate (he’s at 24.7%), Coward’s poise under pressure has been a standout trait.

The competition remains stiff, though. The Atlanta Hawks’ sharpshooting guard is averaging 19.8 points, while a Lakers second-rounder has impressed with rebounding prowess. But for Rookie of the Year, winning matters—and the Memphis Grizzlies’ third-place perch gives Coward a narrative edge. NBA.com’s rookie ladder currently ranks him No. 2, with projections suggesting he could leapfrog the leader by All-Star break if the Grizzlies stay atop the Western Conference pack.

Coaches and Teammates Praise Coward’s Locker Room Impact

Beyond the box scores, Cedric Coward’s influence on the Memphis Grizzlies extends to the intangible elements that define championship contenders. In a league rife with egos, the rookie’s humility and work ethic have endeared him to veterans. During practice sessions, Coward is often the first to arrive and last to leave, honing his craft with shooting drills and film study alongside Morant.

“He’s a sponge,” Bane shared in an interview with The Athletic. “Asks questions, listens, and then goes out and applies it. That’s rare for someone so young.” This camaraderie has translated to on-court chemistry, evident in the Grizzlies’ 62% assist rate on made field goals, a figure boosted by Coward’s unselfish play. Off the court, he’s embraced Memphis culture, participating in community events like the team’s annual toy drive and even trying his hand at local barbecue spots—earning him the nickname “BBQ Bandit” among fans.

Coach Jenkins has been vocal about Coward’s growth. “We drafted him for his potential, but his maturity has accelerated everything,” Jenkins said. “In the Western Conference, where every game is a battle, guys like Cedric keep us grounded.” As the season progresses, expect more stories of his behind-the-scenes contributions, which could further solidify his case for NBA Rookie of the Year honors.

Challenges Ahead: Injury Risks and Tough Western Conference Slate

While Cedric Coward’s trajectory points skyward, the road to NBA Rookie of the Year isn’t without potholes. The Western Conference’s grueling schedule—packed with back-to-backs and travel—has already tested the Grizzlies’ depth. Coward himself tweaked his hamstring in a November win over the Kings, missing one game but returning stronger, underscoring the physical toll of his high-minute role.

Looking forward, the Grizzlies face a gauntlet: a home-and-home with the Mavericks, followed by a road trip through California against the Warriors, Clippers, and Lakers. Sustaining his production against elite defenses will be key. Analysts predict that if Coward can maintain 20+ points per game through December, he’ll be the frontrunner. For the Memphis Grizzlies, a deep playoff run could catapult Coward into superstardom, much like Paolo Banchero’s playoff push last year.

In the broader NBA landscape, Coward’s success signals a shift toward versatile wings in the draft. As the Grizzlies eye contention in the Western Conference, all eyes will be on No. 12 to see if he can deliver the hardware. With Morant’s return imminent and the team’s chemistry peaking, Memphis is poised for a memorable season—one where Cedric Coward might just steal the spotlight.