While there were not many games played last week, All Star Weekend was a hit. With the new adaption of formatting in the games, Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells were on Vince Carter’s team.
Here is a breakdown of last week:
Cedric Coward – The star rookie injured himself last Monday in a loss against the Warriors. Coward played just 12 minutes, scoring 2 points, three rebounds and three assists. He sustained a right knee injury. The bad news continued for Coward though, as the soreness from the injury held him out of All Star Weekend. While the Grizzlies have been abysmal this season, things should turn around fast according to Coward.
“Just to keep getting better, man… To stamp not only my skills and development on the league, but also stamp our team on the league. Like I understand, we may be going through whatever we’re going through right now, “ Coward said. “Whether you want to call it a rebuild or a transfer to the new generation, whatever it may be… But it’s not going to be long. It’s not going to be long.”
Jaylen Wells – While the Grizzlies lost both their games last week, the absence of Coward led to a scoring increase for Wells. Against the Warriors he scored 10 points and three rebounds in a 114-113 loss. Following the close loss the Grizzlies lost 122-116 to the Nuggets, Wells had 17 points, one rebound and one steal. The losing ended during the Rising Stars game as Team Vince won the tournament due to two game winners from VJ Edgecomb. Wells shot two for six and had 4 points and one rebound.
Jaylen Wells high-points the ball as he looks to make a play, Jan. 13 2024 in Pullman, Wash.
Klay Thompson – Amid a multi-game losing streak, Thompson had a mediocre week. Against the Lakers he had 9 points and three rebounds on 33.3% shooting from beyond the arc. Thompson did not participate in All Star Weekend and instead was on vacation with his girlfriend Megan Thee Stallion. However, Steph Curry has been marketing for the 2027 All-Star weekend and doing the three point contest. This would feature Curry, Thompson, Damian Lillard and other top shooters. Thompson has won the contest just once back in 2016 when he beat his then teammate Curry.
Mouhamed Gueye – Another week.. another brawl involving a Coug. Against the Timberwolves Gueye got tangled up with Naz Reid. The two got into it after a hard foul and Gueye did not back down from the veteran. The fight was quickly broken up, no suspensions or punches were thrown. However, both received fines of $35,000. Against the Timberwolves he scored 10 points and seven rebounds. To end the week against the Hornets he had 6 points and three rebounds.
WSU forward Mouhamed Gueye dribbles toward the basket during an NCAA basketball game against Oregon State, Feb. 16, 2023, in Pullman, Wash.
Overall, it was a quiet week but a decent week for everyone. Coward is slated to return from injury and Wells has picked up his scoring. Thompson and Gueye have room for improvement. Unfortunately, all of their teams are on losing streaks.