Memphis Grizzlies draft grades for Cedric Coward, Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack
The Memphis Grizzlies did exactly what they set out to accomplish in the 2025 NBA draft.
Memphis needed help on the wing, and it wanted players who could provide an edge on defense after the usually strong Grizzlies defense looked below average in the second half of this season.
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The Grizzlies acquired forward Cedric Coward, plus guards Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack in the 2025 NBA draft to help with those issues.
This class is mostly about a shift in identity for the Grizzlies. Last season, Memphis prioritized adding a big man after trading Steven Adams and more 3-point shooting. Those problems were addressed with what turned out to be a strong three-man draft class in Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer.
Here are grades for each Grizzlies selection from the 2025 NBA draft.
Cedric Coward, No. 11 overall (first round)
Cedric Coward is the prize possession of the draft class for Memphis. The Grizzlies traded up to No. 11 from the 16th pick to acquire the 6-foot-6 forward.
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Coward has a combination of production and strong physical traits that are enticing. He averaged 17.7 points in six games at Washington State as a junior. He shot 38.8% on 3-pointers and 72% on shots inside the 3-point line in three years combined at Eastern Washington and Washington State. Oh, he also has a 7-2.5 wingspan and a 38-inch vertical.
These traits are enticing, but the six games played at Washington State can be viewed as a concern. Coward is coming off a shoulder injury, and he didn't play much high major basketball.
There is risk to the pick, but the Grizzlies needed a wing with high upside, and Coward has that on both ends with his shooting, scoring and defensive potential.
Grade: A
Javon Small, No. 48 overall (second round)
Memphis selected Javon Small in the second round out of West Virginia to add in its guard rotation. Small stands at 6-2, but he's a big-time athlete who had strong production at multiple high major college programs.
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Small averaged at least 15 points and four assists per game in each of his last three seasons at East Carolina, Oklahoma State and West Virginia. He also provided a defensive edge, finishing his college career with 103 steals in 97 games.
It's no secret that Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo has had success with twitchy point guards who can get to the rim. Small fits that bill.
Overall, Small is a solid prospect, but it's hard to see his fit in Memphis. The Grizzlies have Ja Morant and Scotty Pippen Jr. as a solid tandem of point guards, plus they recently acquired Cole Anthony.
Maybe all three of those point guards won't be on the roster when the season starts, and then the Small fit as a two-way developing option would make more sense.
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Small has ability as a scorer, but he shot 35% on 3-pointers in college. Considering that he will be somewhat undersized, Small's shooting and ability to score around the basket will need to improve for this pick to be a hit.
Grade: C
Jahmai Mashack, No. 59 overall (second round)
This pick is a simple one to evaluate. Mashack wasn't drafted because of any particular area of his offensive game. This choice is all about defense.
Mashack was arguably college basketball's most disruptive perimeter defender at Tennessee, and it's a skill that should quickly translate to the NBA. His ability to navigate screens defensively and guard bigger players as a 6-4 guard is unique.
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His overall longevity will depend on offensive progression as a shooter. NBA teams will challenge Mashack to knock down open shots. If he can deliver, the Grizzlies hit a home run with the last pick in the draft.
Mashack shot 34.3% on 3-pointers in college, so there's a lot of room for growth. However, his defensive potential gives him enough positional versatility to stick around and make an impact.
Grade: B
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies 2025 NBA draft grades for Cedric Coward, others
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