With the 2025 NBA Draft set to begin tonight, the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves in an intriguing position. Following the blockbuster trade that sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, Memphis acquired valuable assets, including the 16th overall pick and multiple future selections, setting the stage for a potential franchise-altering evening.
The Grizzlies received Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks (including the 16th overall selection in 2025), and a future first-round pick swap in the deal that saw Bane depart to Orlando. This trade has fundamentally shifted Memphis’s draft strategy and opened new possibilities for team building.
Projected Target: Cedric Coward’s Unique Journey
Ahead of draft night, PFSN’s latest mock draft has the Grizzlies selecting Washington State guard Cedric Coward, who averaged 17.7 points per game, with the 16th overall pick. The selection would help fill the void left by Bane, who was traded to the Magic.
Cedric Coward should be the Grizzlies target with Pick #16 if they keep the pick and he’s still available imo.
– 17.7 PPG
– 7.0 RPG | 3.7 APG
– 2.5 Stocks Per Game
– 56/40/84 Splits(only played 6 games due to a shoulder injury, but averaged 15 and 7 on 57/38/90 splits in 32… pic.twitter.com/ZpnsreAsqT
– Grizz Lead (@Grizz_Lead) June 23, 2025
Bane averaged 19.2 points this season for the Grizzlies, also connecting on 39.2% of his shots from 3-point range. In comparison, Coward averaged 17.7 points, while shooting 55.7% from the field and 40.0% from deep during his final season with the Cougars.
“Like Bane, Coward is a bit of an older prospect (he turns 22 years old in September), but he’s also viewed as an NBA-ready contributor who can make an impact right away, particularly as a shooter,” wrote Pro Football Network’s draft expert in his recent mock.
Went to see recent-Duke commit Cedric Coward in LA. Hard not to be impressed by the tremendous physical profile (huge hands, 7’2 wingspan, terrific frame) and budding skill level. Crazy trajectory from D3 to possible 1st round pick in a span of 3 years. pic.twitter.com/IUY0uT1Kl9
– Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 1, 2025
Coward enters the 2025 draft with one of the most unique journeys in the class. He began his college career playing Division III basketball, later transferring to Eastern Washington before landing at Washington State. He appeared in just six games for the Cougars due to a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery.
“Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise because going to Willamette, Division III, taught me so much about myself and the game. You have to make sure you put in the extra hours and see how it translates to the court during games,” Coward explained in an interview.
The Duke Decision and Draft Commitment
Originally, Coward had planned to transfer to Duke for the 2025–26 season. The Blue Devils reached the Final Four last year, but Coward ultimately chose to declare for the draft instead after receiving positive feedback during the pre-draft process.
“We could have been a national championship contender, but it is a goal you have to make it to this level,” Coward discussed, as he prepares for the draft. “The information I was getting from people who are highly ranked in the NBA was that I’m ready now.”
The 6-foot-6, 206-pound wing possesses a rare combination of size, skill, and shooting ability that has NBA scouts intrigued. At the NBA combine, Coward posted the largest wingspan (7’2″), third-quickest three-quarter sprint time, and third-highest standing vertical leap among guards.
Perfect Fit for Memphis?
The potential selection of Coward would represent more than just replacing Bane’s production. His 38.8% career three-point percentage and 40.6% mark on catch-and-shoot attempts suggest his shooting should translate well to the NBA level. For a Grizzlies team looking to maintain their competitive edge while building for the future, Coward’s combination of NBA-readiness and upside makes him an attractive option.
Despite his rare career path and history with injury, Coward is still rated as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. It seems certain to hear his name called out in the first round, potentially by the Grizzlies, according to both PFN and ESPN’s latest mock drafts.
As the draft unfolds tonight, Memphis’s ability to find immediate contributors while positioning for long-term success will be crucial. Coward’s unique journey from Division III to potential first-round pick embodies the type of player development story that could perfectly complement the Grizzlies’ rebuilding efforts around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
