Even with three draft choices, the Grizzlies were able to complete transactions at the NBA Draft. How are their grades calculated?
This was the Memphis Grizzlies’ entry into the NBA Draft of 2025.
They were one of the few to have three picks before the event, instead of just one.
They then surfaced as one of the trade hungry teams on draft night.
As a result of their trade with the Trail Blazers, Memphis jumped up to number eleven. After the agreement was made, Cedric Coward showed up.
In the second round of the draft, the Grizzlies reached an additional trade with the Houston Rockets.
Despite this, Memphis added three rookies to their roster to complement Ja Morant and the rest of the staff. Will Memphis get a high draft rating because of this? With the completion of the draft, it is now time to compile their report grade.
Round 1, Pick 11: G/F Cedric Coward, Washington State
Coward’s post draft started with a mistake in identity. Malika Andrews mistakenly called him Colin Cowherdduring the ESPN NBA Draft broadcast
One of the best two-way players was still signed by the Grizzlies. Not to mention a prominent contender among jump shooters. With collegiate experience at Willamette, Eastern Washington, and Washington State, he also brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Despite only appearing in six games, the product of Fresno, California, nonetheless topped Wazzu in scoring (17.7 points per game). Coward is trying to get back into the game after hurting his shoulder. That is going to cause league worries.
His three-point shooting ability, however, was a source of pride in his pre-draft scouting report. The Grizzlies and Morant have a new point guard with range.
Even on defense, he provides a lot of energy, which allows him to consistently out-rebound his opponents. Coward was even compared to Aaron Nesmith, the champion of the Eastern Conference. For Memphis, he’s worth a move up the ladder.
Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 18 (No. 48 overall): Guard Javon
Small, West Virginia
Even on game two, the Grizz maintained their guard theme. This time it was the 6-foot-1 Big 12 Conference standout that was taken. By season’s conclusion, Small had earned first team All-Conference recognition.
His average point total was 18.6 and his assist total was 5.6. Among the nation’s most gifted collegiate basketball players, “Small has proven to be one of the most talented,” his reporting begins. “He’s not limited to just making three-pointers; he’s also a solid defender and a creative scorer.”
He displays a fearless side for contact, too. Attacking the rim and finishing through contact.
He’s even creative with his passes — which brings thoughts of alley-oop feeds to Morant and the veterans. Lastly, Small is disruptive against screens.
Small is a small guard who plays larger than he looks.
He’s capable of sparking energy off the bench to start before pushing for a starting spot. The veteran guard is a smart pick for general manager Zach Kleiman.
Grade: A-
Round 2, Pick 29 (No. 59 overall): Guard Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee
The Grizzlies closed the draft with a local prospect. And one originally headed to the Rockets. Mashack became the final trade of the draft festivities.
He became an anti-portal story too. Mashack went from redshirt freshman, to rotational piece as a sophomore and junior, to starting his senior year. All without dipping into the portal.
Mashack adds one more defensive layer inside the FedEx Forum. Except he received a glowing review for that skillset.
“Mashack was arguably the best defender in college basketball during the 2024-25 season, and that projects to be his go-to NBA skill,” his scouting report wrote down. “He’s an aggressive, predictive defender who often takes the opposing team’s toughest assignment, being active with both his hands and feet.”
He’s not a scoring threat. But think of Mashack as a NFL cornerback assigned to the best receiving option. His role is to limit the touches, plus scoring opportunities.
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