Grizzlies Need to Expand Cedric Coward's Offensive Role

Calling the Memphis Grizzlies' start hot would be an understatement. At 6-0, they've taken the NBA by storm. Still, for long-term success, they need to find more shots for Cedric Coward.

Inevitably, they will. It's never wise to rush to judgment six games into an NBA season - and for what it's worth, Coward has only played in five. He'll find his role as the season progresses:

But the team should start guiding him in the right direction as soon as possible.

There are two reasons why Memphis needs to increase Coward's field goal attempts.

Firstly, he's hitting the shots he's getting. Through his five games, Coward is connecting on 49.1% of his field goals and 61.9% of his 4.2 three-point attempts per game. He's averaging 13.0 points and 8.6 rebounds. 

Let's be realistic: Those numbers won't hold. Nobody shoots 62% from three-point range. Still, the fact that Coward has had such an efficient stretch is encouraging for this organization. There's no reason not to increase his workload when he's performing so well in this capacity.

But it's the long game that's more important.

Coward looks like a 3-and-D who can also create his own shot when necessary. That archetype has found tremendous success in the NBA as a second offensive option. It's also precisely the type of player who can thrive alongside a playmaking hub like Cameron Boozer. Coward has the potential to fill that role, but he's not there yet. That's why he needs reps. 

To be fair, Coward's 10.2 field goal attempts per game are the third-most on the team, behind Ty Jerome (18.2) and Boozer (14.2). Jerome is playing like a superstar, and Boozer is the presumptive franchise player, so they should be leading the team in field goal attempts. 

The point here is to narrow the margin. Coward should be taking three or four more shots per game. Those shots don't need to come from Boozer or Jerome; they simply need to come. 

Who knows? The Grizzlies could pivot into win-now mode. They could keep Jerome, which would relegate Coward to long-term third-option duties.

That's fine, but ten shots a night is not typical third-option territory. Memphis doesn't need to overhaul their offense, but finding a few extra shots for Coward as the season continues would be best for their short- and long-term bottom line. His usage rate is at 17.2% on the season thus far, which ranks eighth among all of the Grizzlies' players who have appeared in multiple games. 

For now, they can enjoy being undefeated.