Cedric Coward asked Kawhi Leonard for private training

Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel or VJ Edgecombe took all the light for a month and a half, Cedric Coward is not omitted and also realizes a good start to your career on the side of Memphis : 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists average.

A “steal” prospect from the latest crop, the 11th pick in the 2025 draft is already one of the best “two-way players” among rookies. Not shy, he naturally established himself as one of the leaders Grizzlies and he even succeeded they attract nice comparisons.

Indeed, Cedric Coward particularly appreciated being compared Kawhi Leonard : « It’s really cool to know that I’m being compared to great players, especially Kawhi, who is going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame soon. That’s incredible. Because I’m just trying to be the best I can be, I look up to Kavha. »

On Friday, for the second time in his career, the 22-year-old winger managed to find the two-time MVP of the finals on the floor, defeating him outright for the second time. After the meeting, we even got to watch him have a long chat with one of his models.

And for a very specific reason: ” Kawhi is one of the best players in history, so it’s always good to talk to him. To recognize his greatness, but also to ask him if we can train together during the summer. He’s not on social media, so I had to find a way to talk to him. I just try to keep learning from the greats and those guys that I can compare myself to » discovered Cedric Coward, who also switched jerseys with Brook Lopez, like him from Fresno, California.

This discussion with Kawhi Leonard apparently went well: “ He doesn’t talk much to the media, but he talks to us (players, ed.). He’s a great guy » concluded the Grizzly rookie, the author of 23 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists against the Clippers superstar.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.