Grizzlies rookie sidelined with knee soreness; team prioritizes long-term health over All-Star debut, raising questions about his return.
Cedric Coward’s All-Star showcase was put on hold, but the Memphis Grizzlies are betting that patience now preserves something bigger later.
The Grizzlies rookie guard was unable to participate in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars because of right knee soreness, ending his chance to suit up for Team Vince during the mini-tournament at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. San Antonio Spurs rookie forward Carter Bryant was named his replacement ahead of the event.
Coward first experienced discomfort after an awkward landing while pursuing a rebound in Memphis’ Feb. 9 loss to the Golden State Warriors. He did not return to that game and subsequently missed the Grizzlies’ next contest in Denver. He also sat out the team’s final game before the All-Star break, with a re-evaluation scheduled afterward.
The injury has not been publicly described as structural, and Memphis has framed the decision as precautionary. His status for the Grizzlies’ first game following the break remains unclear.
Coward’s absence marked a pause in what has been one of the more productive rookie campaigns in the league this season. Through 48 games, he has averaged 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 26.3 minutes per contest. He is shooting 46.8% from the field, 34.0% from 3-point range and 84.3% from the free-throw line, good for a 58.0% true shooting percentage.
Since stepping into a starting role in mid-November during Ja Morant’s absence, Coward has maintained that position, providing steady two-way production. As a starter, he has averaged 13.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 made 3-pointers in 26.6 minutes.
The selection to Rising Stars — determined by a vote of NBA assistant coaches rather than fans or media — reflected league-wide recognition of that consistency.
Still, the rookie year has not been without physical challenges.
Coward entered the draft process rehabbing from right shoulder surgery in December 2024 and missed Summer League. During the regular season, he managed a stress reaction in his right foot that periodically limited his minutes. He also sustained an ankle sprain against the Lakers on Jan. 4 that sidelined him for multiple weeks.
The knee soreness adds another entry to that list, but Memphis’ handling suggests long-term planning rather than alarm.
Carter Bryant, the replacement on Team Vince, has appeared in 43 games for the Spurs this season. Over his last five games, he has averaged 9.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 16.9 minutes. Bryant also participated in the AT&T Slam Dunk competition during NBA All-Star Saturday.
Team Vince went on to win the Rising Stars mini-tournament, edging Team Melo 25-24 in the final behind late free throws from 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe, who earned MVP honors after closing both games.
For Coward, the weekend ultimately became about recovery rather than recognition.
With more than a third of the regular season still remaining, Memphis’ focus is on availability down the stretch. If managed properly, the missed exhibition may prove insignificant compared to what lies ahead in a rookie season that remains very much in progress.