The 2025 NBA Draft is loaded with emotional moments, unexpected choices and heart-warming family celebrations – but when the Memphis Grizzlies call his grandson’s name, nothing resonates more than Javon Smill’s grandfather’s reaction.
In this world where night of the world becomes wonder and emotion, it is a moment of primitive, unfiltered generational pride that steals people’s attention – it spreads quickly.
Real-time dream
For Javon Small, hearing NBA Commissioner Adam Silver call his name mark a lifelong dream. The former Oklahoma State Guard worked tirelessly to get himself into the attention of the NBA Scout after moving from East Carolina and showing his court vision, scoring versatility and showing under pressure from his last college season.
But while the camera naturally amplified Jia Wan’s reaction – tears, hugs and everyone – it was his grandfather sitting next to him, grabbing the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.
Experience action – literally
After Javon’s name was declared the latest member of the Memphis Grizzlies, his grandfather stood up, raised his hands and started a victory celebration that instantly blended pride, doubt and rhythm.
His movements blend dance, praise and ruthless joy – a movement that can only come from someone who knows the journey behind the moment. Within minutes, the clip toured on social media, and fans across the country reacted to his joyful performance.
Javon Small’s grandfather is going through action after Javon was selected as the Grizzlies? ? ? ?
(pass @ohnohedidnt24)pic.twitter.com/deuzoouoo4
– Clutchpoints (@clutchpoints) June 27, 2025
Social media outbreak
“That’s all about the draft,” a fan commented on Twitter. “Grandpa was the real MVP of the night.”
Another post read: “Forgot the draft results – I gave Jawan Small’s grandfather an a+ for Vibes.”
Even NBA players and analysts are in trouble and applaud the current emotional authenticity. It is a reminder that drafts are not only a business deal, but also a family milestone, sometimes spanning decades of hope and sacrifice.
Lifelong support
Although little is known about Javon Small’s grandfather’s personal life, it is clear from the video that he played an important role in Javon’s growth and basketball journey. This reaction is not from off-field – it comes from the front row of every game, every workout, and every difficult decision along the way.
In the interviews with the draft, Jia Wen often mentioned the support of his family, citing his grandfather’s wisdom and unwavering belief.
“He’s been there – ups and downs, hurt, diverted. He never doubted me,” Small once said in an interview with local Oklahoma media outlets.
More than just a viral moment
What separates this clip from many other night celebrations is the emotional weight it brings. It’s not a moment or drill on the stage, it’s an old man because his grandson saw the highest level of basketball, which overwhelmed him.
In a culture that sometimes forgets to value older voices and emotions, Jia Wen’s grandfather reminds everyone that dreams are not fulfilled in isolation. They are built on the shoulders of those who have come before – with their sacrifice, encouragement and love.
What family means in the NBA
NBA draft nights are as many players as they are related to their families. Whether it’s parents working multiple jobs to pay for AAU fees, a sibling who rebounded for hours, or a grandparent who never missed the game, the league is full of stories shaped by family relationships.
Javon Small’s grandfather is now joining the pantheon of an unforgettable NBA draft moment – right there, Ja Morant hugged his father’s tears, or Karl-Anthony Towns hugged the memories of his late mother when he was selected.
For those who watch at home, this moment is not only in entertainment—it is very relevant. It is the universal language of pride, gratitude, and joy, all wrapped up in just a few seconds of movement and emotion.
The grizzly bear stole it
The fact that I’m lost in the celebration is that the Memphis Grizzlies may have occupied a major value option. A skilled combo guard with a great court vision, averaged and scored averages in his last college season and showed an NBA ready flash in his pre-grass workout.
Memphis quietly builds a culture around hard work and player development and is suitable for perfectly shaped small fits. Small won’t be forced to take over immediately as Ja Morant and Desmond Bane lead the backcourt, but he will have the opportunity to play a rotational role early in his career.
Small is one of the most underrated organizers in the draft – his maturity may prove to be a huge asset, according to CBS Sports’ NBA Draft results.
What’s next for Javon and Grandpa?
Now that Jawan has officially entered the NBA, his next chapter begins in Memphis, but you can be sure his grandfather won’t fall behind. Whether next to the court in FedExforum or cheering at home, he would even dance again as Javon carved his career.
As a Reddit fan joked, “If they don’t give this man a season ticket, they’re doing something wrong.”
To be sure: When Javon Small is wearing a grizzly uniform, he not only wants to represent himself. He will bring joy and pride to the whole family – and an unforgettable night dance that reminds the world of what these moments really mean.
The final thought
In a draft full of analysts, numbers and predictions, it’s a happy dance of an old man telling the most powerful story of the night. Javon Small’s grandfather celebrated not only the draft picks—he celebrated a lifelong work, a fulfilling dream, but also a grandson who made everything worth it.
The video will disappear from social media in time, but the emotions behind it will remain. Because at that moment, it wasn’t just basketball. It’s about family and love, and the kind of support that brings players from small town gyms to NBA lighting.
