Scotty Pippen Jr.: A Rising Star in the Grizzlies' Galaxy
At just 23, Scotty Pippen Jr. has already begun carving his own distinct path in the world of professional basketball. Standing 6-foot-1 tall and assuming the role of a guard, Pippen Jr. is currently signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that seems to have embraced his dynamic talents wholeheartedly.
Before joining the Grizzlies, Pippen Jr. navigated a rather tumultuous beginning to his professional career. He played with the South Bay Lakers in the G League before the Los Angeles Lakers waived him after a training camp. Unfortunately for Pippen, his rookie season with the Lakers concluded without a qualifying offer, pushing him to contemplate the uncertainties of international leagues. “I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," he candidly recalls. Yet, fate had other plans.
In January, Pippen secured a lifeline, signing a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. This marked the beginning of his transformation from uncertainty to influence. The Grizzlies' Head Coach, Taylor Jenkins, noted their immediate appreciation for Pippen’s fortitude, “He was a guy that we immediately fell in love with because he was picking up guys 94 feet, he was being a disruptor, he was executing game plans, he was creating turnovers.”
Scotty’s game has grown since joining Memphis, evolving into a challenging presence on the court. He played alongside superstar Ja Morant, stepping up efficiently during Morant's injuries. Their on-court synergy was palpable, with lineups featuring both players outscoring opponents by a remarkable 19 points per 100 possessions.
Pippen’s performance has been nothing short of impressive. He averages 17.1 points per 36 minutes, underscored by a 62.8% true shooting percentage. Defensively, he stands out with 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, manifesting the toughness that has become his trademark. Team veteran Dennis Schroder comments, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
Scotty Pippen Jr. is not merely living in the shadow of his father's storied legacy. Instead, he is crafting his own. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," he shares, emphasizing a personal journey of self-validation. His teammates recognize this self-determination. Jaren Jackson Jr. observes, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." Schroder echoes this sentiment, affirming, “It’s his own legacy. He is his own man.”
The Grizzlies’ faith in Pippen has been further cemented by a four-year contract signed in the preseason, a testament to their long-term vision for his role within the roster. Pippen has rewarded this confidence with consistent performance, highlighted by a triple-double earlier this season and an eye-catching 48% success rate with catch-and-shoot three-pointers.
The team's season currently stands at a 7-4 record, with Pippen’s efforts sweeping through opponents. His recent 28-point and four-steal game against the Lakers was a resounding statement; not only was he formidable on the court, but he also seemed to relish playing against the squad that waived him.
Scotty Pippen Jr. is becoming a pivotal part of the Memphis Grizzlies' success, demonstrating that resilience and tenacity pay off. As the season unfolds, Pippen’s emerging leadership and game-changing plays will undoubtedly continue shaping his burgeoning legacy in the NBA.