The Memphis Grizzlies are quietly managing two of their most promising young players — Zach Edey and Cedric Coward — with strict minutes restrictions, even though neither player is listed on the official injury report. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo, the 42-year-old Finnish tactician hired in June 2023 after leading ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, made the call on Monday, November 21, 2024, citing developmental logic over physical concern. It’s not about pain. It’s about patience. And in a season where the Grizzlies are 5-11 and clinging to the edge of playoff contention, that patience feels like a gamble.
Minutes restrictions aren’t tied to injury status — they’re developmental tools. The Grizzlies are managing Edey’s physical load after past injuries and letting Coward adjust to the NBA’s speed without overwhelming him. The team’s medical staff confirms both are healthy, but the coaching staff believes controlled minutes reduce long-term risk and improve performance consistency.
Edey pulled down over 15% of available offensive rebounds in college — far above the NBA average of 9-10%. If he reaches even 12% this season, the Grizzlies could jump from 25th to top-10 in offensive rebounding. That means 3-4 more second-chance points per game, which could turn close losses into wins. His size and timing make him uniquely suited for this role.
Morant’s ability to drive and draw double-teams created open looks for shooters and cutters. Without him, the Grizzlies’ screen-assist numbers have collapsed. Their offense has become stagnant, relying too much on isolation plays. Edey’s presence in the paint helps, but without a dynamic ball-handler to pull defenses, even his post-up threats are easier to contain.
Coward’s shooting efficiency (48.6% on open threes) and defensive instincts suggest he could be. But he needs to tighten his handle and reduce turnovers — he’s averaging 3.8 per game. If he improves his decision-making and gains confidence in late-game situations, he could eventually replace Desmond Bane’s role as a secondary playmaker and perimeter threat.
Yes. Teams like the Celtics with Jayson Tatum in 2018 and the Warriors with Draymond Green early in his career used similar limits to protect young talent. The Raptors did it with Pascal Siakam. It’s not about injury — it’s about managing adaptation. The Grizzlies are following a proven playbook, even if the results aren’t immediate.
If Memphis falls short, Iisalo’s strategy could still be vindicated — if Edey and Coward show growth. Front offices value long-term development over short-term wins. But if the team’s record drops below .300 and fan frustration mounts, ownership may question whether the patience was worth the cost. The next 10 games will be a litmus test for both the players and the coach.
Hello, my name is Darius Winthrop and I am an automobile expert with years of experience in the industry. I have a deep passion for cars, which has led me to write extensively about the latest models, trends, and innovations. My expertise in the field allows me to provide insightful analysis and commentary that engages a wide audience. When I'm not behind the wheel or at my desk writing, you can find me sketching cars, playing chess or visiting auto shows and events to stay up-to-date on the newest developments. I live in Wellington, New Zealand with my wife, Angela and our children, Isaiah and Safira. We have a tortoise named Sheldon and a parrot called Ralph. My ultimate goal is to share my passion for automobiles with others and help them make informed decisions about their next vehicle.
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