The 2025 NBA Draft had its fair share of emotional moments, unexpected picks, and heartwarming family celebrations — but no moment resonated more with fans than the reaction of Javon Small’s grandfather when the Memphis Grizzlies called his grandson’s name.
In a world where draft night has become a blend of spectacle and sentiment, it was a raw, unfiltered moment of generational pride that stole the spotlight — and it quickly went viral.
A Dream Realized in Real Time
For Javon Small, hearing his name called by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver marked the realization of a lifelong dream. The former Oklahoma State guard had worked tirelessly to put himself on the radar of NBA scouts after transferring from East Carolina and showcasing his court vision, scoring versatility, and poise under pressure during his final collegiate season.
But while the cameras naturally zoomed in on Javon’s reaction — tears, hugs, and all — it was his grandfather sitting beside him who captured the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.
Going Through the Motions — Literally
Just seconds after Javon’s name was announced as the newest member of the Memphis Grizzlies, his grandfather stood up, threw both hands high in the air, and began a victory celebration that blended pride, disbelief, and rhythm all at once.
His movements were a mix of dance, praise, and unrestrained joy — the kind that can only come from someone who knows the journey behind the moment. Within minutes, the clip was making the rounds on social media, with fans across the country reposting and reacting to his jubilant performance.
Javon Small’s grandfather was going through the motions after Javon was drafted to the Grizzlies ?????
(via @ohnohedidnt24)pic.twitter.com/DeUzooUOo4
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 27, 2025
Social Media Erupts
“This is what the draft is all about,” one fan commented on Twitter. “Grandpa was the real MVP of the night.”
Another post read: “Forget the draft grades — I give Javon Small’s grandfather an A+ for vibes.”
Even NBA players and analysts chimed in, applauding the emotional authenticity of the moment. It was a reminder that the draft isn’t just a business transaction — it’s a family milestone, one that sometimes spans decades of hope and sacrifice.
A Lifetime of Support
While little is publicly known about Javon Small’s grandfather’s personal life, it’s clear from the video that he played a significant role in Javon’s upbringing and basketball journey. That type of reaction doesn’t come from the sidelines — it comes from the front row of every game, every workout, and every difficult decision along the way.
In interviews leading up to the draft, Javon often mentioned his family’s support, citing his grandfather as a figure of wisdom and unwavering belief.
“He’s been there through it all — the ups and downs, the injuries, the transfers. He never doubted me,” Small once said in an interview with a local Oklahoma media outlet.
More Than Just a Viral Moment
What separates this clip from so many other draft night celebrations is the emotional weight it carries. It’s not a staged moment or a rehearsed speech — it’s an elderly man overwhelmed by the sight of his grandson making it to the highest level of basketball.
In a culture that sometimes forgets to value the voices and emotions of older generations, Javon’s grandfather reminded everyone that dreams aren’t achieved in isolation. They’re built on the shoulders of those who came before — on their sacrifices, their encouragement, and their love.
The Significance of Family in the NBA
NBA draft night is as much about the players as it is about their families. Whether it’s a parent who worked multiple jobs to pay for AAU fees, a sibling who rebounded for hours, or a grandparent who never missed a game, the league is full of stories shaped by family ties.
Javon Small’s grandfather now joins the pantheon of unforgettable NBA Draft moments — right up there with Ja Morant’s tearful hug with his father, or Karl-Anthony Towns embracing his late mother’s memory when he was selected.
For those watching at home, this moment wasn’t just entertaining — it was deeply relatable. It was the universal language of pride, gratitude, and joy, all wrapped up in a few short seconds of movement and emotion.
The Grizzlies Get a Steal
Lost in the celebration is the fact that the Memphis Grizzlies may have landed a major value pick in Small. A skilled combo guard with excellent court vision, Small averaged double figures in scoring and assists in his final college season and showed flashes of NBA-ready maturity in his pre-draft workouts.
Memphis has quietly built a culture around hard work and player development, and Small fits that mold perfectly. With Ja Morant and Desmond Bane leading the backcourt, Small won’t be pressured to take over right away, but he’ll have every opportunity to earn a rotational role early in his career.
According to CBS Sports’ NBA Draft grades, Small was one of the more underrated playmakers in the draft — and his maturity may prove to be a huge asset.
What’s Next for Javon and Grandpa?
Now that Javon has officially made it to the NBA, his next chapter begins in Memphis — but you can be sure his grandfather won’t be far behind. Whether courtside in FedExForum or cheering from home, he’ll be watching — and maybe even dancing again — as Javon carves out his career.
As one fan on Reddit joked, “If they don’t give this man season tickets, they’re doing it wrong.”
One thing’s for certain: when Javon Small suits up in a Grizzlies uniform, he won’t just be representing himself. He’ll be carrying the joy and pride of his entire family — and one unforgettable draft night dance that reminded the world what these moments are truly about.
Final Thoughts
In a draft full of analysts, numbers, and projections, it was an old man’s happy dance that told the most powerful story of the night. Javon Small’s grandfather didn’t just celebrate a draft pick — he celebrated a life’s work, a fulfilled dream, and a grandson who made it all worthwhile.
The video will fade from social media in time, but the emotion behind it will remain. Because in that moment, it wasn’t just about basketball. It was about family, and love, and the kind of support that lifts players from small-town gyms to the bright lights of the NBA.
