The Memphis Grizzlies recently wrapped up their Salt Lake City Summer League slate and finished 1-2 in Utah.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward had a very strong rookie season, but that hasn't stopped him from getting some reps in during Summer League action this month.
The Grizzlies recently wrapped up their Salt Lake City Summer League schedule and are now ready to get started with more games in Las Vegas. But prior to the book being completely shut on Salt Lake City, Coward shared some valuable takeaways from Memphis' time there.
On the positive side, Coward said the Grizzlies liked seeing how dominant they can be when they play the right way. He also shared that the team was able to build some chemistry as the days went along.
On the negative side, Coward said the Grizzlies learned how they can fall off the rails a little bit when they don't play their way. But he noted that it will require time and effort for the team to fully develop the chemistry that is needed.
The 22-year-old appeared in two games in Salt Lake City before resting during the final one. In his first appearance, he was inefficient but finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. In his next appearance, he had a big game, going for 23 points while adding three blocks.
The dominance he referenced was on display in the Grizzlies' first game in Salt Lake City, when they smoked the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-74. But the good vibes didn't last the whole time, as they lost their next two games to the Utah Jazz 109-100 and to the Atlanta Hawks 96-82.
The focus now shifts to Las Vegas Summer League play, where the Grizzlies will get started on Friday with a matchup against the Chicago Bulls. The slate will also feature games against the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors and Hawks, with at least one additional game guaranteed to be added to the mix as well.
If Memphis wants a chance to push for the Las Vegas Summer League title, it will need to tap into some of the potential it displayed in the Salt Lake City opener.
Coward is looking to use his Summer League reps to set himself up for a successful sophomore season after he finished fifth in the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year race. He averaged 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in his debut season after being picked at No. 11 last year, and he projects as an exciting piece for Memphis going forward.
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