Javon Small Cracks Grizzlies’ Starting Lineup; Productive in Loss

After sitting out several games in a row, Javon Small made his return to NBA Summer League action as part of the Grizzlies’ starting lineup on Thursday. Small took advantage of the opportunity, producing his best performance of the summer.

Small scored 17 points while converting 5-of-12 shots from the field and going 3-for-7 from three. He even added five rebounds and five assists as well.

Play Fast 🤝 Score Fast pic.twitter.com/DZgmITB2Tm

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) July 17, 2025

Despite Small’s efforts, Memphis fell to the Atlanta Hawks by the score of 92-88. The Grizzlies are now 1-3 during NBA Summer League play.

Memphis officially signed Small to a two-way contract on July 11 after drafting him in the second round.

The Grizzlies selected the ex WVU guard with the 48th overall pick in late June.

“I want to prove that I’m a defensive guard that can score the ball. And also get my teammates involved…. I’ve been training my whole life for this, so it’s nothing to be worried about. Just take it one day at a time,” said Small as shared by the WVU basketball program across social media leading up to the draft.

Small became the second former Mountaineer to be drafted since Jevon Carter was taken in the second round in 2018. Miles “Deuce” McBride went No. 36 to the New York Knicks in 2021. WVU has produced five draft picks since 2000.

Small, West Virginia’s point guard during the 2024-25 season, led the Mountaineers to a 19-12 record, just missing out on the NCAA Tournament. He finished second in the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 18.6 points per game while earning first-team All-Big 12 honors.

Small’s two-way deal means he’s eligible to be active for up to 50 games in the NBA and will earn just over $600,000.

Find more coverage of Javon Small at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, Small’s grandfather went viral for his reaction to his grandson being drafted.