Cedric Coward Sidelined from Rising Stars Game with Knee Soreness as Grizzlies Monitor Rookie's Health
The Memphis Grizzlies will be without standout rookie Cedric Coward in the Castrol Rising Stars Game, as the forward has been ruled out due to right knee soreness stemming from an injury suffered earlier this week. The team announced that Coward will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, and in his place, San Antonio’s Carter Bryant will step into the Rising Stars spotlight.
For Grizzlies fans, it’s a tough blow - not just because Coward won’t be suiting up during All-Star Weekend, but because it adds another chapter to what’s already been a physically demanding rookie season for the 20-year-old.
Coward’s latest setback came during Memphis' February 9 matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Late in the first half, he landed awkwardly while going up for a rebound and didn’t return to the game. The knee soreness lingered, keeping him out of the Grizzlies’ next contest in Denver, and now it’s cost him a chance to showcase his talent on one of the NBA’s biggest stages for young players.
A Rookie Season Marked by Resilience
This isn’t Coward’s first run-in with injury since arriving in the league. In fact, his NBA journey started with a recovery timeline.
When Memphis selected him in the 2025 NBA Draft, Coward was still rehabbing from right shoulder surgery that he underwent in December 2024. That kept him out of Summer League entirely and limited his reps in the preseason.
But once the regular season tipped off, Coward wasted little time making an impact.
Despite the rocky start, he’s appeared in 48 games so far - no small feat considering the physical toll. Along the way, he’s battled through a stress reaction in his right foot that’s lingered since December and cost him valuable minutes.
Then came a sprained ankle in early January against the Lakers, which sidelined him for multiple weeks. Now, it’s the knee that’s raising concern.
It’s been a season of starts and stops, but through it all, Coward has continued to produce - and impress.
Exceeding Expectations on the Floor
Even without a full offseason under his belt, Coward has carved out a meaningful role in Memphis’ rotation. He’s averaging 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game - solid numbers for any rookie, let alone one who’s been managing multiple injuries and learning the NBA game on the fly.
What’s stood out most is how well-rounded his game already looks. He’s shown flashes as a secondary playmaker, he’s rebounded well for his position, and he’s proven capable of creating his own shot in spurts.
Memphis has been searching for wings who can defend, contribute offensively, and grow into long-term building blocks. Coward is checking a lot of those boxes early.
And defensively, the tools are all there. With his length, mobility, and instincts, he has the foundation to become a high-impact defender as he gains more experience and consistency. The Grizzlies have to be encouraged by what they’ve seen - even if the injuries have made it tough to keep him on the floor consistently.
Looking Ahead
The immediate question now is how serious this knee soreness turns out to be. The team has said Coward will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, and while there’s no official timeline yet, it wouldn’t be surprising if he misses additional time to ensure a full recovery.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a young player who’s already missed developmental reps due to injury. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that Coward has already shown he can bounce back - and quickly - from physical setbacks. The Grizzlies will be hoping for a similar return this time around.
For now, Memphis will keep a close eye on Coward’s recovery, knowing that his long-term potential is worth protecting. He’s already proven he belongs in the league. Now, it’s about getting him healthy enough to keep building on that foundation.