As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, one name that has been making waves is Javon Small, a standout guard from West Virginia. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 190 pounds, Small has proven to be an impactful player during his college career. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged an impressive 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game over 32 appearances. His shooting percentages reflect his scoring ability, with 41.8% from the field, 35.3% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 88.0% from the free-throw line. With a best draft ranking of 44, Small is poised to be a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their backcourt.
Strengths
Small’s skill set is diverse, making him a reliable option on both ends of the court. Here are some of his standout attributes:
– Catch-and-Shoot Proficiency: Known for his ability to knock down shots, Small excelled in catch-and-shoot situations, boasting a remarkable 42.5% shooting percentage from three-point range during his upperclassman years. His clean mechanics and quick release make him a threat from long distance.
– Ball Screen Effectiveness: Small has demonstrated his capability in ball screen scenarios, showcasing the ability to either drive to the basket or hit pull-up threes, converting at a rate of over 35% from these situations.
– Ball Handling and Agility: His ball-handling skills are impressive; Small uses hesitation moves, pace changes, and tight footwork to create separation and set up his shots. His agility allows him to navigate through defenses effectively.
– Athleticism: Despite his height, Small possesses impressive athleticism. He recorded 14 dunks during his senior year, demonstrating his ability to finish strong in transition and off movement.
– Finishing Ability: Small is a crafty finisher around the rim, converting 57.3% of his attempts at the basket and 56.6% on layups in halfcourt settings. His footwork and body control are key to his success in finishing plays.
– Court Vision: Averaging 5.6 assists per game, Small shows excellent vision and touch when passing, effectively finding cutters and rollers in structured offensive sets.
– Defensive Tenacity: On defense, he is a tough point-of-attack defender. Small stays low, fights through screens, and has a knack for creating turnovers, averaging 1.5 steals per game thanks to his timing and active hands.
Weaknesses
While Small has many strengths, there are areas of his game that need improvement:
– Size Limitations: At 6’1″, Small is undersized for a guard, which makes him vulnerable to post-ups and mismatches against larger opponents. His limited reach can be a disadvantage in defensive situations.
– Separation Issues: He struggles to create easy separation due to a lack of elite burst. This often leads to contested jumpers and tougher shot opportunities.
– Inconsistent Pull-Up Shooting: Small’s pull-up shooting is streaky, with a conversion rate of just 32.1% on dribble jumpers. He often finds it challenging to create clean looks off the bounce.
– Midrange Struggles: His midrange game is a weak point, as he has shown inconsistency with his floater (39%) and has only managed to hit 29.5% of his pull-up mid-range shots in halfcourt settings.
– Pressure Playmaking: Under pressure, Small’s playmaking can falter. He sometimes misses reads or predetermines passes, leading to turnovers, especially in late-clock situations.
– Defensive Awareness: Off the ball, Small needs to improve his defensive awareness. He occasionally loses track of assignments, overhelps, and struggles with rotations.
– Aggression in Steal Attempts: While his aggressiveness can lead to turnovers in his favor, it can also leave his team exposed. Small tends to jump passing lanes too often, which can result in defensive breakdowns.
Conclusion
Javon Small is undoubtedly a player to watch as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches. His blend of shooting ability, court vision, and defensive tenacity make him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a dynamic guard. While he has areas to improve, particularly in terms of size and consistency, his strengths could make him a valuable contributor at the next level. As he continues to refine his game, Small’s potential to impact the NBA is significant, and fans should keep an eye on his journey as he transitions from college basketball to the professional ranks.