Scotty Pippen Jr.: Carving Out His Own Legacy
Scotty Pippen Jr. is making waves in the NBA for all the right reasons. At just 23, the guard stands 6-foot-1 but possesses a game that belies his years. His journey to the Memphis Grizzlies is a testament to perseverance and self-belief, and his performances on the court are beginning to draw attention across the league.
Pippen's professional career began with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he honed his skills and ensured his readiness for the grueling NBA schedule. However, after not receiving a qualifying offer following his rookie season, and a subsequent release from the Los Angeles Lakers after a training camp, it appeared the young guard might need to seek opportunities elsewhere. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," he admits, reflecting the uncertainty many young players face in the league.
The narrative took a turn for the better when Pippen secured a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in January. It was a pivotal moment for Pippen, providing an opportunity not only to prove himself but also to contribute meaningfully to a competitive team. He seized this chance, stepping up during periods when the Grizzlies' star player, Ja Morant, was sidelined by injuries. Lineups featuring both Pippen and Morant outscored their opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions, highlighting the effectiveness of Pippen's play.
His dedication and energy weren’t lost on his teammates and coach. Dennis Schroder, a seasoned NBA guard himself, remarked, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do." The sentiment was echoed by Head Coach Taylor Jenkins, who noted, "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 performances have also been statistically impressive. Signing a four-year contract with the Grizzlies in the preseason was a nod to his potential and the team's confidence in his growth. Pippen averages 17.1 points per 36 minutes, buoyed by a 62.8% true shooting percentage. His defensive tenacity is evident from his averages of 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes. This season, he has even notched a triple-double—a significant milestone for any player, let alone one relatively early in his NBA journey.
One of Pippen's standout skills is his shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc, with a notable 48% success rate on catch-and-shoot three-pointers. His prowess was in full display when he dropped 28 points and recorded four steals in an impressive April game against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Such performances have not only cemented his place in the Grizzlies’ rotation but also showcased his readiness to take on pivotal roles within the team.
The Grizzlies have started the season strongly, holding a record of 7-4, thanks in part to Pippen's contributions. As his teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. aptly puts it, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." It’s this ability to excel under pressure that underpins Pippen’s growing reputation in the league.
Despite being the son of one of the NBA's legendary players, Scottie Pippen, the young guard is carving out his own path and establishing himself on his own merit. "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man," Schroder adds, emphasizing the distinct identity Pippen Jr. is carefully crafting.
Scotty Pippen Jr.'s journey from the G League uncertainty to a promising NBA career is not just about proving others wrong; it’s about proving to himself that he belongs at this level. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," he reflects on his journey.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Pippen to see how he continues to develop and contribute to the Grizzlies’ success. There's a sense that his career is just beginning to ascend, promising further excitement in the chapters yet to be written.