Cedric Coward fearlessly calls out NBA player who ‘put me in a box’
He may not have entered the NBA with much hype compared to his fellow rookies, but Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward was a pleasant surprise.
Coward, the 11th overall pick out of Washington State, has earned his role with his workhorse attitude, providing the Grizzlies with tenacity and toughness on both ends. He started 35 games.
The 22-year-old rookie is only going to get better, citing that the biggest lesson by now he had learned to “keep it simple.”
“I learned that when we played OKC (Thunder) at home. Last possession, (Alex) Caruso put me in the box. I was too complicated in what I was trying to do,” Coward said on “The Kevin O’Connor Show.”
“I wish I could have that moment back. I know I will have that moment again, it might not be against Caruso, but I know the moment will come again.”
Cedric Coward says Alec Caruso “put me in the box,” and shares a valuable lesson learned against an all-world defender. @ACFresh21 https://t.co/20R63KDpR5 pic.twitter.com/fcL7Th7HtV
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) February 17, 2026
He added that he has learned to let the game come to him instead of forcing the issue. At a young age, Coward has a mature mindset, and battling experienced opponents like Caruso has given him a better understanding of the NBA.
“Get to your place and get to what you’re comfortable doing and don’t worry about what they’re going to do,” added Coward.
“For me, don’t do anything crazy, and also, get the match I want. I’d rather go against someone other than Caruso on Team Thunder.”
Cuckoo was named among the rising stars on All-Star weekend, but was unable to play due to a knee injury.
He is averaging 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
2026-02-17 03:30:00
