The Grizzlies have had a strong ability to maximize second-round value in the last few drafts. It is clear that they have done it again with the Javon Small pick. Selected 48th overall last summer, Javon Small is one of the steals of the 2025 NBA Draft and is playing his way into being a piece of the Grizzlies' future.
One of the rare silver linings of the Grizzlies committing to a rebuild right now is that young players are getting chances. Multiple players are capitalizing, but Javon Small's rise deserves even more recognition.
Last week, Small cracked the top 10 on the NBA's Rookie Ladder, which is a good sign his performances are getting more appreciated outside Memphis. However, the conversations need to be shifted towards him as a key future piece for the Grizzlies.
Small has exceeded expectations as a rookie
Javon Small got off to a bit of a slow start early in the season and suffered a toe injury in November. Since the All-Star game, he has gotten significant opportunities and has been one of the Grizzlies' best performers in the past few weeks. The situation with the Grizzlies' guards on the roster remains fluid heading into this summer, but Small is looking like a piece for the future.
Since the All-Star Game, Small is currently averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 15 games. While the sample size isn't huge and Small will likely regress from three-point, it is clear that he is a skilled shot maker and capable scorer. Small is showing all the signs of being a reliable backup point guard for the Grizzlies and being a skilled shot creator in the NBA.
Small should be in the Grizzlies' future
Although the Grizzlies acquired rookie Walter Clayton Jr. in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, he has struggled mightily, and the questions about his future in Memphis are already starting to increase. With Ja Morant's future in doubt, and the Grizzlies likely having to cut down on point guards, Small has only strengthened his case to get a standard contract and remain in Memphis.
It has been a rough 2026 for the Grizzlies, and they are in the beginning stages of the rebuild. However, they have been competitive in most of their games and are getting strong performances from their young talent. Guys like Taylor Hendricks and GG Jackson II are showing significant improvement, but Javon Small should not be lost in the conversation of promising young Grizzlies talent.
Javon Small is looking like the next second-round Grizzlies success and will likely add to the growing list of two-way contracts earning standard deals in Memphis.