Seven months ago, Scotty Pippen Jr. considered leaving the G League, potentially seeking a fresh start overseas. Fast forward to today, and Pippen is carving his niche in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 23-year-old guard, standing at 6-foot-1, is proving to be more than just the son of a legendary basketball player. He is creating his own legacy on the court, capturing attention with his performances and work ethic.
Emerging from Shadows
Pippen Jr.'s journey to the Grizzlies wasn't without its challenges. Released by the Los Angeles Lakers after a training camp and left without a qualifying offer following his rookie season, Pippen found himself at a crossroads. However, his resilience and drive to "prove to myself that I belonged here" led to a two-way contract with Memphis in January.
Upon joining the Grizzlies, Pippen quickly made an impression. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins shared his initial reactions to Pippen's arrival. "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 remarked, emphasizing the defensive prowess that has become Pippen's hallmark.
A Force on the Court
Since stepping into the Grizzlies' lineup, Pippen has showcased an ability to adapt and excel, particularly when playing alongside standout guard Ja Morant. During Morant's injury spells, Pippen not only filled in but thrived, starting games and helping the Grizzlies maintain their competitive edge. Lineups featuring both guards have outscored opponents by an impressive 19 points per 100 possessions.
Pippen's statistics paint the picture of a talent on the rise. Averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes with a true shooting percentage of 62.8%, he is efficient on offense. His defensive numbers are equally notable: 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes demonstrate the defensive toughness that Dennis Schroder highlighted, stating, "Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
Moreover, Pippen's scoring capabilities are on full display with a 48% success rate on catch-and-shoot three-pointers. Earlier this season, he achieved a triple-double, a testament to his all-around contributions.
Making an Impact
The Grizzlies' 7-4 record owes much to Pippen's performances, including a standout 28-point, four-steal showcase against his former team, the Lakers, last April. His determination and talent leave no doubts about his place on the roster, rewarding the Grizzlies’ faith in offering him a four-year contract during the preseason.
As Pippen continues to grow and define his role with Memphis, the legacy conversation is never far. Yet, his teammates recognize his individuality. "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man," insists Schroder, further echoing the sentiment that while Scotty Jr. may carry a renowned name, he is undeniably his own player.
The journey of Scotty Pippen Jr. in the NBA is a story of perseverance and proof that talent combined with the right mindset can illuminate any path. As a point guard who's making challenging tasks look easy, according to fellow player Jaren Jackson Jr., Pippen's evolution from G League aspirations to contributing significantly in the NBA underscores both his potential and his drive.
With many more games to play in his budding career, Pippen remains focused on his goals and ready to seize every opportunity that comes his way, showing the grit and heart that have defined his journey thus far.