The Memphis Grizzlies have officially signed point guard Javon Small to a two-way contract following their selection of him with the 48th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This move became official on July 10, marking the beginning of Small’s transition from college standout to professional prospect.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds, Small spent his senior season at West Virginia after earlier stints at East Carolina and Oklahoma State. In Morgantown, he led the Mountaineers with averages of 18.6 points, 5.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 36.1 minutes per game. His elite performance earned him first-team All–Big 12 honors during the 2024–25 campaign.
The two-way pact affords Memphis roster flexibility — Small can play up to 50 NBA games while also spending time with their G League affiliate, the Hustle. His contract fully aligns with league rules allowing players with under four years of experience to sign such deals. As a draft-and-stash strategy, this is a common route for solid second-rounders like Small — a path once taken by former Mountaineers such as Jevon Carter and Deuce McBride.
Small’s Summer League debut showcased his potential: In a July 5 game against Oklahoma City, he logged 19 minutes off the bench, contributing four points, six assists, and a steal, showing both court vision and defensive instincts. That debut was a clear signal that he’s ready to compete at the professional level, even if for now he’ll be splitting time between NBA and G League action.
The latter path is typical: rookies on two-way contracts usually spend significant time developing within the G League before earning regular minutes in the NBA. Teams like Memphis—which emphasize youth and player development—are well-suited for Small’s growth trajectory.
Small’s skill set is built around versatility. He’s not just a scorer — he’s a playmaker, averaging a seasoned 5.6 assists in college, and has a reputation as a pesky, energetic defender. His 41.8% shooting from the field and 35.3% from three suggest he can stretch the floor, while his free throw percentage (around 88%) reflects a sound shooting stroke.
Under the Grizzlies’ current setup—with stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the way—Small faces a competitive, fast-moving environment. Memphis’s front office envisions him as a two-way rotational guard with upside, someone who can contribute in spurts at both ends of the floor and evolve into a full-time backup role.
Ultimately, this two-way contract gives Small an opportunity to prove his worth. He’ll be in the mix for a standard NBA contract should he impress. But for now, he’ll sharpen his game in Memphis’s development system. The organization remains patient and methodical, focused on long-term payoff.
