Scotty Pippen Jr., son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, is carving out his own niche in professional basketball, making a significant impact for the Memphis Grizzlies. At 23, Pippen Jr. plays with a maturity that belies his age, combining an impressive skill set with the tenacity of a seasoned veteran.
Unexpected Journey to Memphis
After a rollercoaster journey, Pippen now stands as a pivotal figure in the Grizzlies' squad. Originally, he faced an uphill battle, struggling to secure a permanent spot in the league. His time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League was fruitful but limited in scope. The Los Angeles Lakers chose not to issue a qualifying offer after his rookie season, and he was waived after a training camp stint. Reflecting on those challenges, Pippen confided, "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas." However, his determination and resilience paid off when Memphis came knocking with a two-way contract last January.
Embracing the Grizzlies
Since joining the Grizzlies, Pippen has proven he's more than just a familiar name. His performances have been electric. Given the opportunity to play key minutes during Ja Morant's injury absences, Pippen didn't just fill in; he excelled. His presence in lineups with Morant was advantageous, with the team outscoring opponents by an impressive 19 points per 100 possessions.
The Grizzlies' head coach, Taylor Jenkins, expressed his admiration for Pippen's work ethic and defensive prowess. "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," Jenkins observed. This defensive mindset is complemented by his offensive stats. Pippen is averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes with an outstanding 62.8% true shooting percentage. As a guard, his ability to secure 1.4 steals and dispense 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes adds an extra layer of versatility to his game.
Building His Own Legacy
For Pippen, it’s not just about living up to a storied name. It's about crafting his own narrative. Dennis Schroder, a veteran teammate, highlights this transition, noting, "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man." Pippen embraces this mantra, striving not only to earn his place in the league but to define it on his own terms.
His recent achievements underscore this sentiment. Earlier this season, Pippen accomplished the notable feat of recording his first triple-double. His shooting efficiency is equally impressive, boasting a 48% success rate with catch-and-shoot three-pointers. And his standout game against the Lakers last April saw him tally 28 points and four steals, showcasing his ability to shine in high-pressure moments.
Defensive Edge and Impact
At 6-foot-1, Pippen maximizes his stature with a game-changing defensive strategy. Jaren Jackson Jr., a key player for the Grizzlies, praises Pippen's point guard skills, stating, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." His relentless full-court pressure disrupts opposing offenses, a trait Dennis Schroder values deeply, commenting, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
The Road Ahead
With a four-year contract secured during the preseason, Scotty Pippen Jr. is positioned to be a critical cog in the Memphis machinery. The Grizzlies presently sport a 7-4 record, with Pippen playing an instrumental role in their competitive start. His story is one of perseverance and self-discovery, a tale that draws both respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.
Pippen Jr. remains focused on proving he belongs at the NBA level, driven by an intrinsic motivation. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," he acknowledges. The future looks promising for this young guard, as he continues to etch his own signature into the annals of the basketball world.