Javon Small

Javon Small is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies, currently on a two-way contract that also sees him play for the Memphis Hustle in the G League. Known for his crafty playmaking and scoring touch, Small has carved out an NBA role after going undrafted in 2024. As of 2026, he is averaging 5.3 points and 2.1 assists in limited minutes off the bench, with a career-high 22-point game against the Houston Rockets in January 2026. His path from three college programs to the league has earned him a reputation as a resilient competitor. He is a 6'3" point guard and shooting guard, weighing 190 pounds, and has become a regular contributor off the bench for the Grizzlies.[edit]

Small grew up in South Bend, Indiana, a city steeped in basketball tradition. He was born on December 19, 2002. His father, Javon Small Sr., coached him from a young age, instilling a disciplined work ethic. He played AAU basketball for Indiana Elite, where he faced top-tier competition. At South Bend Clay High School, Small averaged impressive numbers but drew little attention from major college programs. Seeking greater exposure, he transferred to The Skill Factory, a prep school in Atlanta, for his senior year. There, he elevated his game and committed to East Carolina as a three-star recruit. His early college years were a grind: after a modest freshman season at East Carolina (29 games, 10 starts, 6.8 points per game), he transferred to Oklahoma State, where he sat out a season due to NCAA rules. A second transfer to West Virginia finally gave him the stage to showcase his abilities. He did not complete a degree before turning professional.[edit]

Small's breakout came at West Virginia in the 2023-2024 season. Starting all 33 games, he averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. He was also named Big 12 Player of the Week once in February 2024. His signature performance was a 29-point, 8-assist outing against Texas in February 2024. Declaring for the NBA draft after his junior year, he went undrafted but quickly signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in July 2024. He made his NBA debut in October 2024. Through the 2025-2026 season, Small has appeared in 42 NBA games, averaging 5.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 14.2 minutes per game. In the G League, he has been a standout, averaging 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists for the Memphis Hustle. In January 2026, he scored a career-high 22 points against the Houston Rockets. His two-way contract was renewed for the 2025-2026 season.[edit]

Small is viewed as an underdog story in the NBA: an undrafted player who earned his spot through persistence and a high basketball IQ. His playing style is described as crafty and composed, with strong playmaking instincts. He does not have an official fandom name, but his fanbase is growing among Memphis Grizzlies supporters and West Virginia alumni. On social media, he maintains a professional, basketball-focused presence, with approximately 45,000 Instagram followers and 12,000 Twitter followers as of early 2026. He rarely posts personal content. Former West Virginia coach Josh Eilert called him "one of the hardest workers I've ever coached."[edit]

Javon Small has built a steady, localized following that centers on his journey from a second-round pick to a reliable bench contributor for the Memphis Grizzlies. His connection to South Bend, Indiana, and West Virginia University creates a dedicated base of supporters who view him as a hometown hero rather than a global superstar. As of August 2026, Javon Small is currently the EVALUATED_UNRANKED individual in the iFANN Global Fame Engine, meaning he does not hold a placement in the published rankings despite being evaluated for potential inclusion. This status reflects a career trajectory defined by resilience and community impact rather than viral fame or mass-market recognition. While his popularity is niche, it is deep; fans engage with him through local events like the 'King & Queen of the Court' tournament rather than digital campaigns or organized fandom monikers. There is no formal name for his fanbase, which remains distinctively tied to the broader Grizzlies following and the Mountaineer Nation alumni community. His legendary moments are grounded in verified athletic feats, such as his standout Summer League performance where he dropped 26 points and seven assists in just 27 minutes, signaling a shift in the team's rotation. Unlike players with chaotic crowd reactions or viral folklore, Small's reputation rests on consistent playmaking and a return to his roots to support local youth. The absence of a specific fandom name underscores that his influence is still growing organically through on-court results and personal engagement rather than commercial branding.[edit]

Small is one of the few players in recent NCAA history to play at three different Division I schools before turning professional. He wore jersey number 2 at West Virginia and number 8 with the Grizzlies. Small was not invited to the 2024 NBA Draft Combine. He declared for the NBA draft after his junior season despite not being projected as a high pick, betting on his G League and two-way contract potential. His best statistical game in college was against Texas (February 2024): 29 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds. He has not won any major professional awards. Notable quotes include: "I've always been overlooked. It's nothing new to me. I just need an opportunity, and I'll prove I belong" (The Athletic, July 2024). In July 2026, Small hosted his second annual 'King & Queen of the Court' 3-on-3 tournament in South Bend, reinforcing his status as a hometown hero while raising funds for local youth. His most significant pro moment occurred during the 2026 NBA Summer League, where he recorded 26 points, 7 assists, and 5 three-pointers in a win that highlighted his immediate impact on the roster. Prior to the NBA, he established a legend at West Virginia University by averaging 18.6 points and 4.1 assists per game as a senior, earning All-Big 12 First Team honors.[edit]

Small's father, Javon Small Sr., was a major influence on his basketball development, coaching him through his early years. His mother's name is not publicly documented. He has siblings, though their names and details are not widely reported. Small keeps his family life private and has not shared details about his current household or pets. His middle name "Unique" was chosen by his parents to encourage him to stand out.[edit]

Small has played under coaches Josh Eilert at West Virginia and Taylor Jenkins with the Memphis Grizzlies. His Grizzlies teammates include Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr.[edit]

Small has kept his personal life extremely private. As of 2026, there are no confirmed public romantic relationships documented in credible media sources, interviews, or social media posts. He has not been linked to any public figures. He is believed to be single. His social media presence focuses exclusively on basketball, training, and family.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Javon Small's net worth at $2 Million. His primary income comes from his NBA two-way contract, which paid approximately $300,000-$400,000 in the 2024-2025 season. When assigned to the G League, he earns a base salary of around $40,000-$45,000. His two-way contract was renewed for the 2025-2026 season with similar terms. He has no known endorsement deals as of 2026.[edit]

Small earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2024 for his standout season at West Virginia. He was also named Big 12 Player of the Week once in February 2024. No other major awards have been won as of 2026.[edit]