Cedric Coward is already turning heads in Memphis-and Portland fans can’t help but wonder what could’ve been.
The No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Coward was selected by the Grizzlies after they struck a draft-day deal with the Trail Blazers, who traded down to take Yang Hansen. Now, halfway through the 2025-26 season, that decision is starting to look like one Portland might want back.
Coward is exactly what NBA teams crave in today’s game: a versatile 3-and-D wing who can contribute right away. Through the first half of his rookie campaign, he’s averaging 13.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, while shooting an efficient 47% from the field, 34% from deep, and 85% from the line.
That’s not just solid for a rookie-that’s impact basketball. It’s no surprise he’s currently sitting fifth on the Kia Rookie Ladder.
Memphis, for its part, has quietly built one of the more intriguing young cores in the league. Between Coward, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, and Cam Spencer, the Grizzlies have surrounded their stars-Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.-with a group of rookies who are already contributing. That kind of depth could give Memphis some flexibility at the trade deadline, whether they decide to make a splash or stay the course and let this young group grow.
Meanwhile in Portland, the situation is a little murkier. The Blazers didn’t make the move to trade back because they were desperate-they believed in their young core and felt confident enough to take a swing on Hansen. The idea was clear: with a solid foundation already in place, they could afford to bet on upside.
But so far, Hansen hasn’t delivered. He’s struggled to find his footing on both ends of the floor, and while that’s not uncommon for rookies, it’s especially glaring when compared to Coward’s immediate impact. Portland’s not asking Hansen to carry the team, but they were hoping for more than what they’ve seen.
One consolation: the Blazers did pick up a future first-rounder from Orlando in the deal. On paper, trading down five spots to gain another first-round pick looks like a smart value play. But when you put names to the picks-Coward versus Hansen and a future pick from a Magic team trending toward contention-it becomes a lot harder to justify.
What stings even more is how well Coward would fit on this Blazers roster. Portland has been starving for shooting and wing depth, two areas Coward could’ve helped shore up from day one. He’s not just a theoretical fit-he’s the kind of player who could’ve helped Portland both now and down the line.
To be fair, comparing rookies this early in their careers is always tricky. Development isn’t linear, and Hansen’s story is far from written.
But the Blazers are trying to stay competitive, and they need players who can contribute right away. Coward is doing that in Memphis.
Hansen isn’t-at least not yet.
So while Portland’s front office may have been playing the long game, it’s hard to ignore the short-term impact they passed up. Coward is already proving he belongs in the league-and he’s doing it in a way that makes the Blazers’ draft-day decision look more and more questionable with each passing game.