Memphis Grizzlies select Javon Small in 2025 NBA Draft

Javon Small developed over his four college seasons into playing his best basketball as a guard in the Big 12. That’s now earned him the chance to now go on and play at the next level following the NBA Draft.

The Memphis Grizzlies have selected Small in the 2025 NBA Draft. They did so with the No. 48 overall pick.

Small spent his collegiate career at East Carolina, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia, playing in 97 games with 80 starts. He would average 14.2 points (41.5% FG, 35% 3PT on 1.9 makes), 4.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game for the Pirates, Cowboys, and Mountaineers.

After two years with ECU, Small would be an All Big-12 Honorable Mention at Oklahoma State who posted 15.1 points (44.1% FG, 37.4% 3PT on 2.0 makes), 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals. Then, after transferring again for his senior season, Small would be honored as First Team All Big-12, as well as an Honorable Mention as an AP All-American, after posting a career-best stat line of 18.6 points (41.8% FG, 35.3% 3PT on 2.6 makes), 5.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals for WVU.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Small

On3’s James Fletcher notes that Small will lose a lot of that role he had in his final year in college when he gets into the association. That said, he can have an impact in a new role as a more defensive-minded guard with some scoring ability.

“Javon Small had a breakout season after transferring, taking over a larger role than even he expected for a successful team,” Fletcher wrote of Small, naming him a Top-10 PG in this draft class. “He will not be asked to take on the offensive burden again, but projecting what he can do defensively with that extra energy is intriguing even for a small guard.”

RotoWire.com sees a similar purpose for him in their draft profile of Small. He thinks he can do it all, more do defensively and in playmaking early, but with enough scoring as well to play a reserve role in someone’s backcourt in the league.

“Potentially limited by his 6-foot-2 frame, Small has proven to be one of the most talented college basketball players in the country,” they wrote. “He’s a strong defender, playmaker and can create his own shot without just launching 3s. Small gets to the rim and finishes through contact while drawing free throws. Small is often looking to get his teammates involved with a variety of creative passes. Defensively, he’s a pest to opposing teams’ ballhandlers and navigates well around screens.”

“Small’s path to earning a sizable NBA role could start with backup point guard minutes, bringing energy and playmaking on both sides of the ball,” they wrote. “His size may be a limiting factor in terms of being able to play one or two positions defensively, but he’s proven much as a shot-maker, passer, and defender.”