Rookie Cedric Coward passionately defends Ja Morant's character, revealing the star's genuine kindness and integrity beyond the public narrative.
The strongest defense of Ja Morant this season didn’t come from a coach or executive — it came from a rookie speaking candidly during All-Star Weekend.
In a recent Q&A with HoopsHype, Cedric Coward offered an emphatic rebuttal to the outside perception surrounding Morant, delivering one of the most direct public defenses of the Grizzlies star this year.
“If you want to say all the negative connotations about him, you’re dead wrong and you need to keep your thoughts to yourself,” Coward told HoopsHype. “Ja is one of the best people I’ve ever met.”
The timing of Coward’s remarks is significant. Morant is expected to miss at least the next three weeks with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, an injury suffered during Memphis’ 124-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The team announced he will be re-evaluated in approximately three weeks.
It marks another setback in a season already shaped by interruptions. Morant has appeared in just 20 games, averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds. The Grizzlies are 7-13 in games he has played and 13-20 without him, sitting at 20-33 coming out of the All-Star break and 11th in the Western Conference.
His last appearance came Jan. 21 against Atlanta, when he recorded 23 points and 12 assists in a double-double effort.
Externally, much of the discussion around Morant has centered on availability and trade speculation. Internally, Coward painted a different picture during his HoopsHype interview.
“What people portray him to be is not what he is,” Coward told HoopsHype. “He’ll take care of you.”
Coward referenced a winter ice storm in Memphis as a personal example, explaining that Morant offered to buy him groceries during the disruption — a gesture he framed as authentic rather than performative.
“Just little things like that he doesn’t have to do, but he does out of the kindness of his own heart,” Coward told HoopsHype. “That’s who he is.”
The rookie also described Morant as “goofy,” noting they frequently quote movies such as Friday, Paid in Full and Juice around the team facility. Coward added that Morant is someone he would “bring to my cookout,” underscoring the trust and comfort level within the locker room.
Coward’s perspective carries weight given his own rapid rise. The 2025 rookie has averaged 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 48 games while shooting 46.8 percent from the field. He earned a Rising Stars selection during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles — a notable accomplishment after playing just six college games the previous year.
Memphis has struggled to find consistency amid injuries and roster changes, but Coward’s comments to HoopsHype suggest Morant’s influence inside the building remains intact despite limited availability.
As the Grizzlies await Morant’s re-evaluation, the broader conversation will continue to focus on wins, losses and uncertainty.
Inside the locker room, at least according to one ascending teammate speaking to HoopsHype, the narrative is far more personal — and far more supportive.