The long-awaited and anticipated debut of Cedric Coward finally transpired in the Grizzlies' first preseason game against the Detroit Pistons. The rookie lottery pick the team traded up for hadn't played in an organized basketball game since suffering a torn rotator cuff in his last college season last November.
After missing the summer league due to rehab of the surgically repaired shoulder, Coward made his NBA debut roughly midway through the first quarter, coming off the bench. He quickly made an impact with an assist and drew a charge on defense to show his high basketball IQ.