Cedric Coward, the 11th overall pick from Washington State, has steadily established himself as a reliable presence for the Memphis Grizzlies this NBA season. Despite entering the league without the extensive hype surrounding some of his rookie peers, Coward has earned respect through his relentless work ethic and defensive toughness, starting in 35 games so far. The 22-year-old forward has embraced a learning mindset, focusing on adapting to the demands of professional basketball.
Learning from a Challenge Against Alex Caruso
One pivotal moment Coward highlighted occurred during a home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where veteran defender Alex Caruso significantly tested his skills. Reflecting on this experience, Coward shared on The Kevin O’Connor Show that Caruso effectively “put me in a box” on the last possession, showing him the importance of simplicity on the court.
I learned that when we played OKC (Thunder) at home. Last possession, (Alex) Caruso put me in a box. I was too complicated in what I was trying to do,
Coward explained.
I wish I can get that moment back. I know I’ll have that moment again, it might not be against Caruso, but I know the moment will come again.
Adapting Approach and Building Confidence
This encounter with an experienced opponent helped Coward develop a calmer and more strategic approach to his game. He emphasized the value of playing to his strengths and not overcomplicating decisions instead of trying to outmaneuver defenders aggressively every time he has the ball.
Get to your spot and get to what you’re comfortable doing and not really worrying about what they’re going to do,
Coward added.
So for me, do not do anything crazy, and also, get the matchup I want. I’d rather go against somebody else other than Caruso on that Thunder team.
Progress and Future Outlook for Coward
Coward’s progression has been notable this season, with averages of 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Although he was selected as one of the Rising Stars at the NBA All-Star Weekend, a knee injury prevented him from participating. This setback is unlikely to slow his development, as his experiences against strong defenders like Caruso continue to teach him valuable lessons about patience and positioning in the league.
His commitment to learning and adaptation suggests Coward will become even more effective as he gains experience. The lesson of “keeping it simple” gained from facing Caruso is expected to influence his future performances and growth within the Memphis Grizzlies roster.
Cedric Coward says Alex Caruso “put me in a box,” and shares the valuable lesson learned going against an all-world defender. @ACFresh21 https://t.co/20R63KDpR5 pic.twitter.com/fcL7Th7HtW
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) February 17, 2026
