Nov 17, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) shoots for three as guard Yuki Kawamura (17) and the Memphis Grizzlies bench react during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Memphis Grizzlies Announce Signing of 6-foot-3 Guard

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Jed Katz | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 7:30 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the most talked-about teams this NBA offseason due to free agency, trades, and the NBA Draft. After a 48-34 season that saw them get swept in the first round of the playoffs, the Grizzlies have made continuous moves this summer.

During the draft, Memphis not only selected Yang Hansen with the 16th overall pick, a selection that many viewed as an extreme reach. The team also selected Javon Small with the 48th pick the next day.

Small, a 6-foot-3 guard out of West Virginia, was signed to a two-way contract today, according to an announcement from the Grizzlies. He will join a group of young players mixed with stars such as Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. as Memphis looks to build and compete for the future.

The @memgrizz today announced the team signed Javon Small to a two-way contract. pic.twitter.com/MAQDLcNEf4
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) July 10, 2025

Small was a major standout at West Virginia. The 22-year-old averaged 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals across 32 games, being named to the All-Big 12 Team. Small previously played at Oklahoma State and East Carolina before finding his way to the Mountaineers.

Small was a two-way force in college, and should hope to be one in the NBA as well. He can certainly extend the floor, but what is most impressive is his ability to contribute outside of the scoring department at 6-foot-3. The four-year player was also able to faciliate, rebound, and guard the perimeter.

Even though he's on a two-way deal, Small will have opportunities to make waves in the NBA, as well as the G League. The Grizzlies have been emphasizing youth over the last few seasons, and he could take full advantage of that.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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