Despite the Grizzlies being shorthanded to start the year, the team is already giving reasons for optimism. The Grizzlies have a healthy Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. to start the season, and first-round pick Cedric Coward is already looking like the potential steal of the 2025 NBA Draft. However, the early performances of second-round rookie Javon Small must not be overlooked either.
Javon Small was selected 48th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft following an impressive senior season at West Virginia. Small likely fell in the draft due to size concerns, but his draft slide has benefited the Grizzlies so far. Small was one of the Grizzlies' best performers at Summer League, displaying great variety as a scorer and high-level playmaker.
The rookie has capitalized on his early opportunities so far
With Javon Small currently on a two-way contract, the hope was for Small to split time between the main roster and the G League to start the season. The Grizzlies were set to enter the season with strong backcourt depth, which would've put less pressure on Small to contribute right away. Ultimately, injuries to Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. have forced Small into a larger role sooner.
Javon Small ended up playing 19 minutes in his NBA debut against the New Orleans Pelicans. It was a quiet debut for Small as he went scoreless, but he still showed impressive playmaking in a short time, recording three assists. Small's highlight play of his debut was a jump pass to Jaylen Wells for a corner three. After his NBA debut, Javon Small recently started to show more of his scoring capabilities.
Against the Miami Heat, Small recorded nine points, two rebounds, and eight assists in 22 minutes of game action. Despite going 2-9 from the field, Small has shown flashes of potentially being a great shooter. Along with Cedric Coward, Javon Small also had a breakthrough performance in his third NBA game against the Indiana Pacers, scoring 16 points while adding two rebounds and six assists in 20 minutes.
Three games are a small sample size; however, Javon Small's offensive game already looks NBA-ready. Small is comfortable operating in pick-and-roll and is a capable outside shooter off both the catch and dribble. Most importantly, his playmaking can already be a real asset for the Grizzlies even as he continues to develop.
The Grizzlies have lost multiple key players to injury and even had to use the hardship exception to sign Charles Bassey. While it is essential for the Grizzlies to return to full strength, a silver lining of the current situation is the increased opportunities for Cedric Coward and Javon Small. Cedric Coward deserves all the praise he has gotten so far, but Javon Small's stock is also continuing to rise.