Pippen Jr. Carving Out His Own Legacy with Grizzlies
At just 23 years old, Scotty Pippen Jr. is swiftly moving out from under the shadow of his famous father and making his own mark in the NBA. Once a promising talent in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, Pippen Jr. now stands as a promising guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, executing game plans with flair and proving his mettle on the professional stage.
Standing at 6-foot-1, Pippen Jr. has embraced every challenge, even after facing early career setbacks. The Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he had a brief stint, opted not to extend a qualifying offer after his rookie year. Instead of lingering on this disappointment, Pippen Jr. found a new path, signing a two-way contract with the Grizzlies in January. The move has since proven serendipitous.
Coach Taylor Jenkins reflected on Pippen’s impact by saying, "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." His dedication to defense and high-energy play has undeniably become a key asset for the team.
Pippen's role with the Grizzlies expanded significantly following injuries to star player Ja Morant. Stepping into Morant’s big shoes, Pippen Jr. didn’t just hold the line; he dominated it. It was during these critical times that lineups featuring both Pippen and Morant outscored opponents by a remarkable 19 points per 100 possessions. His performance resulted in securing a more stable position with the team, culminating in a four-year contract signed during the preseason.
Pippen Jr. has been nothing short of impressive on the court. Averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes with an awe-inspiring 62.8% true shooting percentage, he’s demonstrated a proficiency that many players take years to develop. His defensive stats further bolster his profile, averaging 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, showcasing his versatility on the court. These numbers also include a stunning 48% success rate from catch-and-shoot three-pointers, a testament to his offensive capabilities.
Jaren Jackson Jr. remarked on Pippen’s growth, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." Indeed, Pippen Jr. has shown that he’s more than just a legacy player. His 28-point and four-steal game against the Lakers last April underscored his potential and provided a glimpse of what he can truly offer on the hardwood.
Teammate Dennis Schroder heaps praises on him, noting, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do." This acknowledgment from veterans emphasizes the ethos Pippen Jr. brings to the Grizzlies—a tenacity and love for basketball that quickly endears him to fans and teammates alike.
Pippen Jr. himself reflects on his journey with a sense of self-affirmation. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," he confided. Despite considering leaving the G League for overseas opportunities, his determination to stay and fight for his spot in the NBA is now paying dividends.
The Grizzlies, for their part, are reaping the rewards of having Pippen Jr. on their roster. With a 7-4 record this season, the team is riding a promising trajectory, bolstered by the contributions of their young guard. As he continues weaving his own story within the NBA tapestry, Dennis Schroder encapsulates what many see in Pippen Jr.’s journey: "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man."
Scotty Pippen Jr.'s ascent is a testament to talent meeting opportunity. While memories of his father's legendary career may once have cast a long shadow, this young athlete is proving that he can shine brightly on his own terms. As his career with the Grizzlies progresses, the basketball world is certainly keen to see just how high Scotty Pippen Jr. will ascend.