Cedric Coward was given a superstar challenge to complete his rookie season

One game back from a knee injury, Tuomas Iisalo explained why the education of Cedric Coward enters his most demanding semester. Beale Street was crushed by the Memphis Grizzlies are more than 60 games into a relatively rough year, but the trial of their NBA All-Rookie candidate is far from over. Forget about hitting any proverbial walls the first time; there are a dozen All-Stars who need coverage to finish the season.

The measuring sticks over the next six weeks gained a reputation as a single name. Giannis, KD, Kawhi, Cade and Jokic stand between the Grizzlies (23-37) and an offseason comeback. James Harden, Jaylen Brunson and CJ McCollum will chase victories until the very end. That trio can make anyone look completely foolish, but Coward is expected to answer call.

“(Kukavica) will be tasked with managing some very tough matches,” admitted Iisalo. “(Against the Minnesota Timberwolves), he had a possession guarding the point from (Anthony Edwards) to (Julius Randle). He can definitely be better at the point of attack. Every young guy can be better in his rotations.”

The 22-year-old played 21 minutes from the bench in his return from a seven-game absence. He scored 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting with two rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block. By throwing Coward into the fire against the league’s elite, the Grizzlies hope to accelerate his development and build the consistency needed to compete at the highest level.

Edwards was nearly unstoppable for Minnesota, adding five steals to his 41-point outing. A double-double from Randle and an efficient 16 points from Jaden McDaniels on 6-of-8 shooting rounded out a balanced effort from the Timberwolves. For Cowards, the night served as both a challenge and an overview. The remaining glove figures shape the final chapter of a promising season for all rookies.

Iisalo made it clear that he expects the experience to leave a mark. The Grizzlies also expect the young core to play up to the standard, building a culture and product that everyone can be proud of. That’s the only way to still find yourself on the other side of the NBA playoffs.

“It’s just telling the guys in the locker room that I hope we don’t take for granted the opportunity to play against teams of this level,” Iisalo said. “That this is the level that all our players and our team want to get to, and you only get there if you experience it, realizing that this is a tough, veteran team that we pushed, but we have to be consistent for 48 minutes.”

In 48 games, Coward is averaging 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 46.8% from the field and 34.0% from 3-point range. The Washington State alum’s 40-minute numbers jumped to 20.7 points and 9.4 rebounds, with a true shooting percentage of 58.1%, suggesting that this production could increase effectively.

There’s no better time for the Grizzlies to find out than the next six weeks. Easing Cedric Coward back into action was never an option, given his competitive disposition. However, that fire is when they throw it well at superstars and see what sticks. If he can hold his own as a two-way defensive force capable of consistently dropping 20 and 10, Memphis will have at least one silver lining worth its weight in gold heading into the summer.