In a landscape of emerging basketball talent, Scotty Pippen Jr. is crafting his own narrative within the NBA, stepping out from the formidable shadow of his Hall of Fame father, Scottie Pippen. At just 23 years old, Pippen Jr. is proving his mettle as a notable guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, with performances that are both consistent and inspiring.
Rising Through the Ranks
Standing 6-foot-1, Pippen Jr.'s journey to the Grizzlies has been marked by determination and resilience. After a stint with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, Pippen faced a pivotal moment when the Los Angeles Lakers waived him following a training camp, choosing not to extend a qualifying offer after his rookie year. This juncture could have seen many players reconsider their path, perhaps even seeking opportunities overseas, as Pippen himself admitted, "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas."
However, the undeterred guard saw a lifeline with a two-way contract from the Memphis Grizzlies in January, an opportunity he seized with both hands. He quickly solidified his position during an unfortunate period when star player Ja Morant was sidelined with injuries. This allowed Pippen to not just fill in, but to flourish, asserting his presence in the rotation with vigor and skill.
Making an Impact
On the court, Pippen Jr. has been nothing short of electric. Through a combination of top-tier defense and a knack for incisive offense, he has become a favorite among coaches and teammates alike. His contributions have been quantifiable, with lineups featuring both Pippen and Morant managing to outscore opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions, showcasing their complementary dynamic. Coach Taylor Jenkins was particularly impressed, stating, "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."
Pippen’s statistical output further solidifies his rising star status. He averages 17.1 points per 36 minutes, built on an impressive 62.8% true shooting percentage. His defensive contributions are notable as well, with 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, underscoring his all-round capabilities. Early in the season, Pippen even achieved the coveted triple-double, a testament to his versatility on the court.
Offensive Prowess and Defensive Tenacity
A key facet of Pippen’s arsenal is his catch-and-shoot three-point success rate, a whopping 48%, making him a consistent threat from beyond the arc. This sharpshooting ability came into sharp focus during an electrifying game against his former team, the Lakers, where he scored 28 points and snagged four steals. Such performances not only highlight his individual talent but also his drive to succeed at the highest level.
His teammate, Jaren Jackson Jr., lauds his approach, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." Fellow NBA veteran Dennis Schroder echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Pippen’s distinctive playing style and its intrinsic value to the team, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
Building His Own Legacy
Pippen secured a four-year contract with the Grizzlies in the preseason, further cementing his role in the team’s future plans. The Grizzlies themselves boast a strong 7-4 record this season, a testament to the cohesive effort and contributions from players like Pippen. Despite carrying a legendary surname, Scotty Pippen Jr. remains focused on forging his own path, driven by a personal ambition to prove his capabilities. Reflecting on his journey, Pippen shares, "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here."
For Pippen Jr., every game is another opportunity to carve out a distinct legacy, one characterized by his tenacity, skill, and unwavering determination. As Dennis Schroder aptly puts it, “It’s his own legacy. He is his own man.” In a league brimming with talent, Scotty Pippen Jr. is not just another name to watch out for; he is a force of nature intent on leaving an indelible mark on the sport.