2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Memphis Grizzlies No. 48 Pick Javon Small
The Memphis Grizzlies have selected Javon Small with the No. 48 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
Small earned first-team All-Big 12 honors this past season with West Virginia and tied for the Big 12 scoring title. He was also a top-10 finalist for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award.
Small brings value as a confident shotmaker and instinctive passer who also generates steals defensively. He makes smart reads and plays with poise, even under pressure.
Small averaged 18.6 points and 5.6 assists per game, ranking 58th and 32nd in the nation, respectively.
Of course, lack of ideal size and burst may limit his ability to create separation or finish consistently.
Overall, though, there’s a lane for Small to fill as a backup point guard who brings tempo and touch.
If his efficiency holds against NBA length, he could stick as a rotation piece long-term.
Small is ranked No. 30 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman’s 2025 Prospect Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
Previous Team: West Virginia | Position: PG | Height: 6'1" | Weight: 190 lbs | Age: 22 | Vertical: 40.5" | Wingspan: 6'5¼" | PPG: 18.6 | RPG: 4.1 | APG: 5.6 | BPG: 0.3 | SPG: 1.5 | FG%: 41.8 | 3PT%: 35.3
Realistic Pro Comparison: Cole Anthony
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Like Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony, Small is an undersized scoring guard who can provide some playmaking ability.
Both bring toughness and shotmaking, and Small similarly projects as more of an offensive bench spark.
Anthony never projected as a star, but he's evolved into a key contributor on a competing team. That's a path you can picture Small following as he enters the league.
Strengths
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- Playmaking
- Shotmaking
- Defensive Playmaking
Javon Small drew interest from scouts during the draft process thanks to an intriguing display of shotmaking and playmaking.
Small is capable of running an offense under control, making quick reads and orchestrating steady pick-and-roll schemes.
Defensively, he plays with energy and instincts, creating turnovers with smart gambles. Those gambles will be interesting to watch at the NBA level, where they may not translate.
Weaknesses
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- Size/Athleticism
- Finishing
Tough shots off the dribble can hurt Small's efficiency, but his team can use his creation to draw in defenses.
At 6'1" and with limited athleticism, his adjustment to NBA defenses may be steeper than for most rookies.
