Pro Cougs in the NBA had a week defined by inconsistency, breakout performances and lingering questions. While Cedric Coward struggled to find steady scoring, Jaylen Wells and Mouhamed Gueye delivered timely offensive surges and Klay Thompson’s future in Dallas grew murkier as the trade deadline approaches.
Klay Thompson (Mavericks) – It was not the best week or the worst week for Thompson, he only played in two games last week. With the trade deadline quickly approaching and Kyrie Irving slated to come back in the near future. Thompson’s future with the Mavericks is questionable.
“While continuing to explore potential moves involving Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell,”said NBA reporter Marc Stein on Sunday night.
In his first game of the week against the Hornets Thompson had 16 points, three rebounds, one assists and one steal. He shot 40% from the field and 36% from three. To end the week against the Rockets he finished with 9 points and two rebounds on 42.9% from three. Thompson’s stock has been down as of late giving championship level teams a chance to acquire him for cheap.
Cedric Coward (Grizzlies) –The young phenom struggled shooting beyond the arc but was able to put up good showing in all the games despite inconsistent scoring. Against the Rockets he had 8 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal on 23.1% shooting from the field. Against the Hornets he had a scoring out break with 17 points, two rebounds, five assists on 66.7% shooting from the field. To follow up against the Pelicans Coward scored 13 points, five rebounds, five assists on 41.7% from the field. To end the week Coward scored 8 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. While his scoring was up-and-down, Cowards’ play making was up. He finished with 15 assists last week showing that passing is a underrated part of Cowards’ offense.
Coward is trialing in the Rookie of the Year race but he has been picking up some momentum. While Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel have taken a sizable lead there is still some time for Coward to keep climbing the ranks.
BRANDON WILLMAN
Cedric Coward wears the basketball on his shoulders after dunking the ball.
Mouhamed Gueye (Hawks) –Gueye played significant minutes last week and he was productive in them. Against the Pacers he finished with 7 points, six rebounds, one assists and one steal. Following that game he dropped 5 points, four rebounds and two assists against the Celtics. In 21 minutes against the Rockets Gueye was ineffective with 2 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. To end the week Gueye was electric in 32 minutes of action, finishing with 15 points, four rebounds, one block and three assists.
HAILEE SPEIR
WSU forward Mouhamed Gueye drives toward the hoop during an NCAA men’s basketball game.
Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies) –Wells scored in the double digits in three of four games last week, something he needed desperately. As the Grizzlies top two way player no matter how good of defense you are playing if you cannot hit shots on offense you are replaceable.
Against the Rockets he had 12 points, six rebounds and one steal on 30.8% shooting from the field. Against the Hornets Wells laid a dud with 6 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block on 37.5% shooting from the field. Wells’ shooting splits got no better against the Pelicans, shooting 37.5% from the field and scoring 10 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. To end the week Wells scored 15 points, six rebounds and one assists, on 38.5% shooting from the field.
BRANDON WILLMAN
Jaylen Wells rises above a defender from the elbow for a shot.
Overall, numbers increased across the board but improvement is needed from Thompson and Wells in the shooting department. Gueye and Coward played well but consistency is needed. Coward has been moving himself into a marquee player for the Grizzlies.