Scotty Pippen Jr.: Carving His Own Path in the NBA
Scotty Pippen Jr., at the age of 23, continues to write his own basketball narrative, distinct from the illustrious legacy of his father's name. Standing at 6-foot-1, Pippen, a professional guard, is quickly making a mark with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA.
The young athlete's journey has been anything but ordinary. Drafted into the G League, he spent his initial professional days with the South Bay Lakers. However, the Los Angeles Lakers waived him following a stint at their training camp, opting not to extend a qualifying offer after his rookie season. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," Pippen Jr. admitted candidly, reflecting on a pivotal moment in his career.
Fortunately, a significant opportunity came knocking when the Memphis Grizzlies secured Pippen on a two-way contract this January. Despite being a backup, Pippen demonstrated his capabilities when starter Ja Morant was sidelined by injuries. Maintaining a significant role during these moments, Pippen ensured the Grizzlies maintained their competitive edge, with combinations featuring him and Morant outperforming opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions—a testament to Pippen's adaptability and impact.
His resilience and determination did not go unnoticed. "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," said Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins, underscoring the defensive toughness Pippen brings to the court.
Pippen's hard work paid off, and he was rewarded with a four-year contract during the preseason. Demonstrating an impressive per-36-minute average of 17.1 points alongside a 62.8% true shooting percentage, Pippen is proving to be a valuable asset for the Grizzlies. His defensive prowess is equally noteworthy, averaging 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per the same time frame.
His skill set speaks volumes, with a 48% success rate from catch-and-shoot three-pointers, illustrating his offensive efficiency. Pippen even notched a triple-double earlier this season, bolstering his growing reputation as a clutch performer.
Pippen’s standout performances include a memorable 28-point, four-steal game against his former team, the Lakers, last April. His contributions have helped the Grizzlies to a commendable 7-4 record this season.
His teammates recognize his impact on the floor, with Jaren Jackson Jr. remarking, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." Meanwhile, veteran Dennis Schroder comments on the young guard's distinguishing play style by stating, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
Amid all the chatter, Scotty Pippen Jr. remains focused on his goal—to establish his identity in the league. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," he reflected, showing a level of introspection and drive uncommon for players his age.
While the surname Pippen carries significant weight and expectations, this young guard is crafting his unique narrative in the NBA. As Schroder aptly put it, "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man." And with each passing game, Scotty Pippen Jr. is proving just that, marking the beginning of a promising career that fans and analysts will want to keep an eye on.