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 achieved a milestone many Israeli players aspire to. However, his rise also created some adversaries, including 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 said, "Danny Avdija tripped me when I blocked his shot. It's not exactly a rivalry, but I still remember it." He added that he does not intend to retaliate, stating, "I'm not a dirty player, so I won't get back at him. Besides, I can't afford the fine because I don't make that much money." The December incident reportedly sparked frustration from Memphis star Ja Morant, who confronted Avdija, with local Memphis media describing Avdija's action as a deliberate foul and a way to vent his anger at the referees. This episode highlights some of the tensions Avdija has faced amid his successful NBA season.