Regular season Memphis Grizzlies basketball won’t be played again until October, but that doesn’t mean meaningful games won’t take place.

In between the end of the 2025-26 and start of the next campaign, Grizzlies fans could see a glimpse of the roster’s best youthful talent in summer league action.

Summer league isn’t as meaningful to some franchises, but for a team like the Grizzlies, it’s a pivotal stretch. Memphis is in a position where the growth of its young players will play a major role in future decisions.

GG Jackson is only 21 years of age, but he’ll be entering his fourth season. That’s usually enough to earn a graduation from summer league action. Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells are also not expected to play after undergoing season-ending procedures.

Rayan Rupert, who was signed to a two-way contract in March, wouldn’t mind playing summer league action for the Grizzlies, but he’s entering free agency. That decision will ultimately come down to Memphis.

This year’s Las Vegas summer league action will take place from July 9-19.

Here is an early look at who is expected to represent the Grizzlies after verbal confirmation during the team's exit interviews on April 13.

Mar 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesJan 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) blocks a shot from Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn ImagesGrizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) shoot the ball as Hawks’ Luke Kennard (4) guards him during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum on January 21, 2026.Jan 11, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesGrizzlies' Ja Morant (12) and Cedric Coward (23) high five in a timeout during the game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on December 26, 2025.Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward (23) reacts after making a shot against the Utah Jazz during a game on Dec. 12, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward (23) attempts a lay up against the Utah Jazz during a game on Dec. 12, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.Dec 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) dunks during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesDec 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesDec 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) and guard Kris Dunn (8) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesNov 30, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward (23) after a play agains the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn ImagesNov 30, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward (23) drives in against Sacramento Kings forward/center Drew Eubanks (19) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn ImagesNov 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts after drawing a foul in overtime against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn ImagesNov 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) dribbles as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) and forward Cameron Johnson (23) defend during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesNov 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) passes the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesNov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) loses the ball beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn ImagesNov 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) drives between Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7), forward Sam Hauser (30) and center Luka Garza (52) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn ImagesNov 9, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Brooks Barnhizer (23) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesNov 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) shoots the ball against Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesGrizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) drives to the basket as Rockets' Alperen Sengun (28) guards him during the game between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 5, 2025.Rockets' Kevin Durant (7) drives to the basket as Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) guards him during the game between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 5, 2025.Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) passes the ball during the game between the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on November 3, 2025.Nov 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick (1) tries to defend during the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesNov 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (14) tries to defend during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesMemphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward (23) looks to make a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during a game on Oct. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward (23) attempts a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers’ Deandre Ayton (5) during a game on Oct. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cedric Coward arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesJun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cedric Coward stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 11th pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images1 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftMar 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images1 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftMar 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images2 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftJan 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) blocks a shot from Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images3 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftGrizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) shoot the ball as Hawks’ Luke Kennard (4) guards him during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum on January 21, 2026.4 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftJan 11, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images5 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftGrizzlies' Ja Morant (12) and Cedric Coward (23) high five in a timeout during the game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on December 26, 2025.6 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftMemphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward (23) reacts after making a shot against the Utah Jazz during a game on Dec. 12, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.7 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftMemphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward (23) attempts a lay up against the Utah Jazz during a game on Dec. 12, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.8 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftDec 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) dunks during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images9 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftDec 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images10 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftDec 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) and guard Kris Dunn (8) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images11 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 30, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward (23) after a play agains the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images12 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 30, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward (23) drives in against Sacramento Kings forward/center Drew Eubanks (19) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images13 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts after drawing a foul in overtime against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images14 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) dribbles as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) and forward Cameron Johnson (23) defend during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images15 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) passes the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images16 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) loses the ball beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images17 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) drives between Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7), forward Sam Hauser (30) and center Luka Garza (52) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images18 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 9, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Brooks Barnhizer (23) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images19 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 7, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) shoots the ball against Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images20 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftGrizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) drives to the basket as Rockets' Alperen Sengun (28) guards him during the game between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 5, 2025.21 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftRockets' Kevin Durant (7) drives to the basket as Grizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) guards him during the game between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 5, 2025.22 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftGrizzlies' Cedric Coward (23) passes the ball during the game between the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on November 3, 2025.23 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick (1) tries to defend during the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images24 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftNov 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (14) tries to defend during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images25 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftMemphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward (23) looks to make a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during a game on Oct. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.26 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftMemphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward (23) attempts a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers’ Deandre Ayton (5) during a game on Oct. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.27 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftJun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cedric Coward arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images28 / 28Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies rookie, first-round pick in 2025 NBA DraftJun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cedric Coward stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 11th pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesCedric CowardIf there’s a player who could take a leap and shorten his summer league stint, it’s Cedric Coward. He had a strong rookie season, but he knows his areas of weakness.

Coward is a potential swing piece for Memphis long term. He could be anything from a star to a three-and-d role player with limited playmaking.

Being better on and off the ball and working on ball handling are near the top of Coward’s list of improvements.

What excites Coward most is the ability to have a full offseason to work on his game. Last offseason, he didn’t participate in summer league or five-on-five action in pre-draft workouts due to a previous shoulder injury.

“Now that (the shoulder injury) is behind me and God forbid any other injuries or any nagging things, the sky is the limit,” Coward said. “All I can is come next season, you’ll see the progress.”

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Javon Small was sneakingly impressive as a rookie. He was thrown into a rotation role at the start of his career due to injuries at point guard. He had his struggles before his own injury eventually sidelined him.

Small finished the season averaging 9.7 points and 3.7 assists in 41 games.

He remains on a two-way contract. The next step for Small should be playing enough that he turns that deal into a standard contract.

Walter Clayton Jr. was a first-round pick in the same class as Small, but it feels like he’s lower in the pecking order after an uninspiring start in Memphis. Clayton did find his way to better results late in the season.

In four April games, Clayton had his most efficient stretch with the Grizzlies. After shooting 38.4% from the friend, Clayton said efficiency is at the top of list for improvement.

Several Grizzlies players quality for the student of the game title, but Jahmai Mashack may be at the top. He’s a guy who likes to watch film extensively while learning from his mistakes and studying some of the league’s best.

Mashack’s future role in Memphis is unknown. He played everything from point guard to center when available, but he seems to have an idea for what that role could look like.