If the NBA Draft hype machine doesn't send him shooting up draft boards, then the Phoenix Suns could land a franchise-altering pick in Cedric Coward. Thankfully, it's a potential selection that can be scrutinized more thoroughly in the immediate aftermath of the 2025 draft lottery.
The order of the annual selection process has been revealed and the Suns can now evaluate the landscape and realize that the ultimate steal should be waiting for them at No. 29.
Phoenix missed out on a chance at a top-10 pick when its selection conveyed to the Houston Rockets via the Kevin Durant trade. It'll still have an opportunity to make a splash at the end of the first round, however, as it'll receive the Cleveland Cavaliers' first-round selection.
With that pick, the Suns should go out of their way to scout Coward and confirm that he's the perfect player for them—and they shouldn't be afraid to trade up a few spots if they need to.
Coward is a rising name in draft circles due to his prototypical size, measurements, and three-point shooting. The reason he could be available at No. 29, however, is that he missed all but six games in 2024-25 due to a shoulder injury.
There's admittedly a chance that Coward won't be available at No. 29 overall, but if he is, the Suns should make the obvious decision and bring him aboard.
Suns must target Cedric Coward at No. 29 in 2025 NBA Draft
There's a genuine possibility that Coward will return to the collegiate ranks and play the 2025-26 season with the Duke Blue Devils. In the event that his draft stock soars as high as it's projected to, however, he could forego his final NCAA season in favor of an opportunity in the Association.
Zach Lowe of The Lowe Post reported that he's heard talk that Coward could come off that board at or earlier than No. 29 overall if he declares.
The reason that should intrigue Suns fans is the fact that they possess the No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. As such, it's hard not to ponder if Coward truly is the best fit—and if Phoenix can get a clean bill of health on him, he would be.
An intriguing wing who stands at 6'5.25" and 213 pounds with a massive 7'2.25" wingspan and an excellent outside shot, Coward is a perfect target for the Suns to consider.
Phoenix is in desperate need of perimeter depth, particularly for players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Coward certainly has the physical attributes to be a high-level defender, with the size, strength, and elite length to match up against players at multiple positions.
Coward also converted 1.7 three-point field goals per game on 38.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc and knocked down 88.0 percent of his free throws over the past two seasons.
By adding Coward to a rotation that already has Ryan Dunn as a young developable piece, the Suns would instantly improve their roster. They'd have the potential for two high-level defenders to anchor their supporting cast, with Coward seemingly prepared to space the floor from day one, as well.
It must be noted that Coward could return to Duke for the 2025-26 season, but if he chooses to stay in the NBA Draft, the Suns must do everything they can to bring him to Phoenix.