Grizzlies star Cedric Coward is NBA All-Rookie First Team

CEDRIC COWARD NAMED TO 2025-26 NBA ALL-ROOKIE FIRST TEAM

Memphis, Tenn. – The NBA announced today that Memphis Grizzlies wing Cedric Coward was named to the 2025-26 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Coward (6-5 ¼, 213), acquired by Memphis with the 11^th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, placed fifth in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting after appearing in 62 games (47 starts) and averaging 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 25.8 minutes. Among qualified rookies, he ranked sixth in scoring, fourth in rebounding, fifth in field goal percentage (.471), second in free throw percentage (.843) and tied for fourth in double-doubles (7).

The 22-year-old, who was selected by NBA assistant coaches to the 2026 Rising Stars as part of NBA All-Star Weekend, scored in double figures 49 times and at least 20 points eight times. He set career highs with 28 points and 16 rebounds in 37 minutes on Dec. 30 vs. Philadelphia.

Coward, a native of Fresno, Calif., is the seventh different Grizzlies player to earn All-Rookie honors over the past seven seasons, the most by any team over that span. This marks the third consecutive season that the Grizzlies have placed at least one player on an All-Rookie team.

The other four members of the 2025-26 NBA All-Rookie First Team are Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe, Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Charlotte Hornets wing Kon Knueppel.

The 2025-26 NBA All-Rookie Second Team is comprised of Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey, New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears, Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles, New Orleans Pelicans forward Derik Queen and Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud.

Follow the NBA Draft on 92.9 FM ESPN, with the Grizzlies picking #3 overall on June 23rd, 2026, on 92.9 FM ESPN, Memphis' Flagship Home of the Grizzlies.