Memphis Rookie Cedric Coward Names NBA Rival Danny Avdija Over On-Court Incident

The 2025/26 NBA season marked a breakthrough for Israeli player Danny Avdija, who became an All-Star and a source of pride for Israeli basketball. However, his rise also created some on-court tensions, notably with Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward. In a recent NBA 2K League video, Coward identified Avdija as his rival, recalling an incident from over eight months ago when Avdija allegedly tripped him during a game between Portland and Memphis in December.

Coward described the moment when Avdija blocked his shot and caused him to fall, calling it a memorable but not exactly a rivalry-defining event. He emphasized that he is not a dirty player and therefore would not retaliate, partly because he cannot afford the fines that come with such actions. The incident reportedly sparked frustration from Memphis star Ja Morant, who confronted Avdija during the game. Local Memphis media characterized Avdija's move as intentional and unsportsmanlike, suggesting he was venting his anger at the referees through Coward.

This episode highlights the competitive and sometimes contentious nature of Avdija's NBA journey as he continues to make history for Israeli basketball while navigating the challenges of the league's physical play. The story also reflects the growing attention on Avdija from both fans and fellow players in the NBA.