Another week of the NBA season is finished and it was not pretty for former WSU athletes. Coward has not played in nearly a month and Thompson’s minutes are declining heavily.
Here is a recap of how all the Pro Cougs did:
Klay Thompson –If you told me before the season started Thompson would be lucky to score in the double digits, I would call you a liar. This season has been a disaster for Thompson, with the Mavericks building around Cooper Flagg. They are going younger; the 36 year old veteran does not seem to have a true role.
To start the week he scored 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Thompson made five 3-pointers but this was his only high volume shooting of the week. He followed up the performance with 8 points, two assists and two rebounds. Thompson only played 16 minutes in the loss. To end the week Thompson played even worse with only 7 points and one assist. Thompson played 15 minutes in the loss, shooting just one for five from three.
Mouhamed Gueye –It was a high minute week for Gueye but he did not perform much unfortunately. Gueye scored 6 points, 11 rebounds and two assists in a win against the Wizards. Against the Wizards he scored 2 points, six rebounds, one block and two steals. To end the week Gueye had 2 points and two rebounds.
The Hawks are loaded with forwards and big guards. Playing time is hard for Gueye especially because outside of rebounding he does not affect the game heavily. After the Hawks traded for Johnathan Kuminga who has been stealing touches from Gueye production can only downtick for the former Coug.
HAILEE SPEIR
WSU forward Mouhamed Gueye goes to shoot the ball during a NCAA basketball game against UW, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Pullman, Wash.
Cedric Coward –The standout rookie has been out with a right knee injury, missing seven straight games. He is now listed as questionable to play in the Grizzlies’ upcoming matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves as his recovery progresses. If he is cleared to suit up, his return could help the team get back on track. Prior to the injury Coward was averaging 13 points per game, six rebounds and nearly three assists while shooting mid 40% from the field.
Jaylen Wells –With Coward and Ja Morant still out Wells has taken the mantle scoring wise. While he has not eclipsed over 20 points multiple times in a week this year, he did score nearly 20 last week. The Grizzlies went 2-2 last week, in large part due to the scoring outbursts from Wells.
To start the week against the Kings he scored 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Wells followed up the strong performance with a stinker scoring just 8 points, two rebounds, three assists and one steal. Against the Mavericks he bounced back with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Wells ended the week off with 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals.
DAILY EVERGREEN FILE | COLE QUINN
Jaylen Wells high-points the ball as he looks to make a play, Jan. 13 2024 in Pullman, Wash.
The week was mediocre at best overall for Pro Cougs in the NBA, but Wells did shine. As the season wraps up and the likelihood of the Hawks, Mavericks and Grizzlies going anywhere in the playoffs are slim to none. This season has been a disappointment based on preseason expectations.