Rising Star Pippen Jr.: Crafting His Own Legacy in Memphis
At just 23 years old, Scotty Pippen Jr. is forging his path through the demanding world of professional basketball, stepping out of the shadows of his legendary father, Scottie Pippen. Standing at 6-foot-1, the guard is creating ripples with the Memphis Grizzlies, showcasing impressive skills and resilience that defy his modest stature.
Having faced setbacks early on, Pippen Jr. finds himself in the limelight once again after securing a four-year contract with the Grizzlies this preseason. His journey to this point, however, wasn’t without challenges. “I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas,” Pippen Jr. confessed, reflecting on the period following his time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
It wasn't until Pippen found an opportunity with the Memphis Grizzlies that his potential started to truly unfold. Significantly, in January, he signed a two-way contract, a strategic decision that enabled him to demonstrate his prowess on a more prominent stage. This chance paved the way for him to play alongside star player Ja Morant, allowing him to step up during Morant's injury spells. Under these challenging circumstances, Pippen Jr. left an indelible mark. Lineups featuring both Pippen and Morant outscored opponents by an impressive 19 points per 100 possessions, demonstrating his ability to complement and elevate team dynamics effectively.
Pippen’s prowess doesn’t stop at complementing playing styles. He's proven to be quite the scoring threat, averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes on a striking 62.8% true shooting percentage. More than just an offensive weapon, his defensive efforts contribute significantly to the Grizzlies, as evidenced by his averages of 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes. His strategic prowess shone brightly when he achieved a triple-double earlier this season, a testament to his well-rounded gameplay.
Dennis Schroder, a veteran teammate, lauded Pippen Jr.'s tenacity on the court: “Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he does.” This sentiment was echoed by Head Coach Taylor Jenkins, who remarked, “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.” Such commendations are not flippant in the highly competitive environment of the NBA; they are earned through hard work and strategic execution.
After being waived by the Los Angeles Lakers post-training camp and not receiving a qualifying offer from them after his rookie season, Pippen Jr. has taken these hurdles in stride. Now flourishing with the Grizzlies, he is intent on proving that he not only belongs in the NBA but that he can thrive there. “I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here,” he said, reiterating his drive and perseverance.
His impact was perhaps best highlighted during a 28-point and four-steal game against the Lakers last April, a performance that surely turned heads and underscored his growing influence in the league. Pippen's success with catch-and-shoot three-pointers, hitting at a 48% success rate, has made him a weapon that opposing defenses must reckon with.
As the Grizzlies enjoy a commendable 7-4 start to the season, Pippen Jr.'s efforts are undeniably instrumental in their success. Jaren Jackson Jr., a teammate, aptly captures Pippen’s development: “As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy.” His journey is not just about living up to a familial legacy; it’s about crafting a narrative of his own.
In a world where every player fights to carve their niche, Scotty Pippen Jr. stands out not just as a promising young guard but as a testament to resilience and determination. “It’s his own legacy. He is his own man,” said Schroder, emphasizing Pippen Jr.'s resolve to create his distinct story in the sport he loves.