Tuomas Iisalo managed to loosen Cedric Coward around the wall of NBA rookies

The NBA season has a way of cutting down rookie time. What seems doable in November can become difficult by February, when the physical toll of an 82-game schedule clashes with the mental demands of learning a new system. Tuomas Iisalo is regrouping the Memphis Grizzlies go through some of the Cedric Coward’s Growing Pains while trying to save the season. As injuries and losses mount, Iisalo has adjusted accordingly.

Coward is averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 44 games, but has seen an uptick in efficiency lately. Iisalo acknowledged that the rookie faces multiple challenges, fighting battles on multiple fronts in many ways, both on the court and in the training room. Nevertheless he is still producing 14 points on 40% three-point shooting in his last 10 games.

“I mean, it’s not just a mental or emotional test, it’s a physical test for (Cowards),” Iisalo explained. “He doesn’t have that load, you know, that you have from previous years or even from the summer. So he’s had to play catch-up all season, and we’ve seen some early signs of that with the stress reaction in his foot.”

However, while the stress and statistics have increased, the low-impact, high-information minute cannot be spared. Cuckoo bumps and bruises start to accumulate too quickly for anyone to be too comfortable. There will be a certain level of caution going forward.

“There were some other things, but (Kukavica) did a great job. Our medical staff did a great job as well, and we like that. I’m trying to hold back to keep the minutes to an acceptable amount so he can continue to practice at the same time,” Iisalo noted. “Because it’s one thing to play heavy minutes in games, but if those minutes come from practice reps, that’s also not good for a player who obviously needs to get better to reach the highest level.”

Coward’s path to the NBA was unconventional, starting at Division III Willamette University before transferring to Eastern Washington and then Washington State, where a shoulder injury limited him to just six games in his final college season. This shortened preparation meant he entered the league without the typical summer league boost or extended preseason reps, forcing him to play catch-up from day one.

He suffered a sprained ankle against the Los Angeles Lakers when he fell awkwardly on DeAndre Ayton’s leg, causing him to miss several games. Cuckoo is dealing with the effects of a stress reaction in his foot, sidelining him for a while and leading to a brief limitation upon his return. Still, as the Grizzlies move through the second half of the season, Grind City’s resilience will be key.

With Iisal’s Grizzlies clinging to slim NBA playoff aspirations, releasing Cedric Coward around this wall could turn a potential season stumbling block into a springboard for the promising 22-year-old’s career.