Making good on a pick late in the first round has perhaps never mattered more to the Boston Celtics.
It's a franchise that must get under the second apron this summer, a directive made clear by Jayson Tatum's franchise-altering Achilles tear. They're navigating the most punitive collective bargaining agreement in league history.
Adding a contributor or two on rookie contracts would do wonders as Boston builds to make the most of next season and best position itself for when its All-NBA star returns.
The Celtics enter this year's draft with picks No. 28 and 32. As Hardwood Houdini continues its deep dive into prospects projected to go in that range, here's a comprehensive breakdown of sharpshooting Cedric Coward and how well he would fit in Boston.
Getting to know Cedric Coward
On the heels of the NBA Combine, Cedric Coward is rising, perhaps more than any prospect, as Round 1 of the draft on Jun. 25 inches closer. That often reflects a disconnect as pundits work to catch up and closer align with how teams see the board.
However, Coward is a man of mystery in this year's draft class. After spending his first two collegiate campaigns at Eastern Washington University, he played six games for Washington State before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
The Fresno, California native has until May 28 to decide whether to remain in the draft or follow through on a transfer commitment to Duke for next season.
However, after impressing at the combine, despite not being cleared for contact as of last week, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo, it seems more likely Coward remains in the draft.
Cedric Coward's strengths and weaknesses
Cedric Coward epitomizes the phrase "pure shooter." He's lethal off the catch. That applies to spot-up attempts and when he's on the move, like curling off a screen. He's also potent when letting it fly off the dribble.
Coward took five threes per game last season, converting them at a 40 percent clip. He took over 10 shots per contest and had nearly a 56 percent field goal percentage.
Despite a high volume of long-range attempts, the former Washington State Cougar registered a 65.6 effective field goal percentage. That accounts for threes being worth more than twos. Coward had a staggering 70 percent true shooting percentage. That measures shooting efficiency by measuring how one fared on twos, threes, and free throws.
In his last collegiate season, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 blocks, and nearly a steal per contest.
While shooting is what Coward does best, he's also a connector offensively. He's decisive, reads the floor well, and delivers passes on time and on target.
The modern NBA has no tolerance for one-dimensional sharpshooters who can't make a play when forced to put the ball on the floor. Coward is comfortable creating mid-range jumpers for himself off the dribble.
He'll also take advantage of his gravity by attacking closeouts, being strong with the ball, maintaining balance, and producing quality opportunities for his teammates.
At the combine, the six-foot-six wing registered a jaw-dropping eight-foot-ten standing reach to go with a wingspan sprawling over seven-foot-two.
He takes full advantage of his physical gifts on the defensive end of the floor. Coward pressures and disrupts ball-handlers, moves his feet well to stay connected on drives, and utilizes his length to alter and block shots.
His aggressive approach on defense can get him out of position, and he must shed the habit of not consistently being engaged when off the ball. However, Coward's length creates a considerable margin for error. Furthermore, he's capable of recovering quickly, even after bad gambles, and keeps fouls to a minimum.
Lastly, another essential skill Coward possesses is navigating screens well. He'll fight through staggered picks and pin-downs from centers to remain attached and thwart plans from the opposition to free up shooters.
It's a testament to a sharpshooter who relishes utilizing his physical gifts to make a two-way impact.
Is Coward a fit for the Celtics?
While Coward's six-game season makes him the man of mystery in this year's draft, the lead-up to this summary reveals the answer to this question.
Joe Mazzulla would love to add a dynamic shooter like this, who can make plays off the dribble. The same goes for his defensive versatility and knack for disrupting plays. Whether it's a steal, deflection, or a block, Coward consistently gets a hand on the ball.
He's a tremendous fit and, from this vantage point, represents one of the Celtics' best options if he's available when they first come on the clock.