Scotty Pippen Jr.: Crafting His Own Legacy in Memphis
In the dynamic world of professional basketball, standing out among a sea of talent can be a monumental challenge. For Scotty Pippen Jr., this challenge only deepens the determination to carve out a unique place in the NBA—the same league where his father became a legend. At just 23 years old, Pippen Jr. has begun to make his mark with the Memphis Grizzlies, emerging as a potent force in their lineup.
Standing at a modest 6-foot-1, Pippen plays with a fervor on the court, characterized by his role as a guard. His journey to Memphis was marked by resilience and adaptation, traits instilled during his time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. Reflecting on these formative years, Pippen confessed, "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas." However, a crucial opportunity arose when the Los Angeles Lakers waived him following a training camp, leaving the door open for his current path with Memphis.
The Grizzlies were quick to recognize Pippen's potential, securing him with a two-way contract in January. During periods when Ja Morant was sidelined with injuries, Pippen not only filled in but excelled, starting games and demonstrating his playmaking capabilities. The synergy between Pippen and Morant proved effective, with lineups featuring the duo outscoring opponents by an impressive margin of 19 points per 100 possessions. Such performances led to a solidified four-year contract with the Grizzlies during the preseason.
Defensively astute and strategically sharp, Scotty Pippen Jr. has been lauded for his 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 do," noted Dennis Schroder, underscoring the defensive grit Pippen brings to the table. The tenacity was further echoed by Head Coach Taylor Jenkins, who highlighted Pippen’s disruptive style, "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 prowess extends beyond his defensive skills, with substantial offensive capabilities as well. He boasts an impressive 17.1 points per 36 minutes, accompanied by a remarkable true shooting percentage of 62.8%. His attacking vigour is complemented by a 48% success rate with catch-and-shoot three-pointers, a testament to his evolving offensive play. Perhaps one of his season’s highlights was achieving a triple-double, a feat that attests to his comprehensive skill set.
The Grizzlies have reaped the benefits of Pippen’s contributions, which are reflected in their current 7-4 record. Earlier this year, against his old squad—the Lakers—Pippen delivered a standout performance with 28 points and four steals, a personal triumph that resonated deeply. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," Pippen revealed, indicating the personal milestones intertwined with his professional journey.
His teammates have not been shy in expressing their admiration for Pippen’s growth and impact. Jaren Jackson Jr. remarked, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy," pointing to Pippen's adaptability and poise under pressure. Such endorsements reiterate the caliber of Pippen’s contributions, as he continues to shape his own narrative in the storied Pippen legacy.
More than just his father’s namesake, Scotty Pippen Jr. is paving his own path in the NBA. As Dennis Schroder aptly summarized, "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man." Indeed, Pippen Jr. is a player defined by his tenacity, skill, and ambition to forge an identity that stands independently within the basketball world.