The Memphis Grizzlies made an impressive decision to trade for Cedric Coward by sending a No. 16 pick to the Portland Trail Blazers, along with a 2028 first-round pick from the Orlando Magic, and a couple of second-round picks. The move provides Memphis with much-needed wing depth, as Coward’s defensive capabilities and athleticism are no secrets.
In addition, they have made another good move in round 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting a talented guard from West Virginia.
Grizzlies Select Javon Small in Round 2 of the NBA Draft
Despite standing at 6’2, which may be a less than ideal height, Javon Small makes up for it in ball handling and hunger for the game. Boasting four years of college basketball experience, he made it to the First Team All-Big 12 after several clutch performances for West Virginia.
One of the performances that truly introduced Small to the world was when he scored 12 of his 27 points in the last two minutes of the game against No. 2 Iowa State in a sensational 64-57 win. Given his shooting abilities even under immense pressure, it was no surprise that he was picked up at the draft this year.
When the NBA’s Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum called out Small’s name, his grandfather’s emotional reaction went viral. He was seen shedding tears of joy after witnessing his grandson fulfill his ultimate NBA dream.
Javon Small’s grandfather after Javon was drafted. 🙏🙏
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 27, 2025
It is no surprise that Small’s family are overwhelmed in the moment. It is not everyday we witness our loved ones make it to the biggest stage of professional basketball, a moment that has remained a dream for thousands around the world.
Small enters a Grizzlies locker room that boasts an insane level of talent in Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey, and rookie Coward, too. They have had one of the youngest rosters in the league, and that might just be the case for the 2025-26 season as well.
Small can help out in both offense and defense, the level of versatility that the Grizzlies have been looking for in recent years. Small is a well-rounded and explosive threat. He shot 42.5% on catch-and-shoot threes.
He can shoot exceptionally well from deep, and he’s especially lethal out of the pick-and-roll. The Grizzlies have to place the right players around him on the floor to get the best out of him during pick-and-rolls when needed.
Small is also great on defense, making up for his short frame with physicality. His size may cap his ceiling, but his production and fire within will surely earn him at least a rotational spot on the Grizzlies roster.
