The 2025-26 season has been full of significant challenges for the Grizzlies. But one thing simply cannot be denied: they crushed the 2025 NBA Draft. Bleacher Report recently did a re-draft of the 2025 class, and it shows how successful the Grizzlies were. Javon Small, who was previously selected 48th overall, ended up going 20th overall to the Miami Heat.
Even though the article also mentioned Cedric Coward going 8th overall to the Nets and the Grizzlies getting Jeremiah Fears 11th overall, the biggest focus needs to be on Javon Small. Of course, plenty of other things must go right as the Grizzlies rebuild. However, being able to find such good second-round value should keep the team competitive going forward.
Javon Small falling was a blessing in disguise
Last summer, the Grizzlies were going to have to trade up from the 48th overall pick if they wanted to add another frontcourt or wing talent to the roster. They stayed at the 48th pick and still managed to land a promising talent in Javon Small. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Small had a wealth of college experience and thrived with West Virginia. However, one of the reasons he fell in the draft was due to size, and it ended up being to the Grizzlies' benefit.
Javon Small was going to have a tough time sticking in the rotation despite having a strong Summer League campaign. Despite unfortunate injuries to guys such as Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Ty Jerome, the injury crisis gave Small more opportunities, which he more than capitalized on.
Small has looked like a first-round talent despite his draft slot
Javon Small is still currently on a two-way deal, but he has made an extremely strong case to get a standard contract. Small is an effective scorer and has really stood out as a perimeter shooter. Zach Buckley wrote the following about Javon Small:
"He is one of only five rookies averaging at least 9.0 points and 3.5 assists. Within that group, which also features Flagg, Harper, Edgecombe and Queen, he has the best three-point percentage (43.9), the fewest turnovers (1.4, tied with Harper) and the third-highest field-goal percentage (47.2, trailing only Flagg and Harper)."
Seeing Small included in this group is extremely impressive to think about, considering the other rookies named in that statistical threshold were lottery picks. Despite Small being mocked 20th overall, he has shown the level to be potentially taken higher in a redraft.
Being able to get a first-round talent as late as the 48th overall pick is a big win for a Grizzlies team that needs to keep maximizing draft value. Given the new rebuild, it will be important for the Grizzlies to keep crushing the draft.
Obviously, Cedric Coward will be a big building block going forward, but do not sleep on Javon Small sticking in the rotation past this season. The 2025 NBA Draft was a tremendous success for the franchise, and Javon Small's rise deserves more discussion.