In a world where basketball legacies are common, Scotty Pippen Jr. is carving out his own path, stepping out from the immense shadow of his Hall of Fame father, Scottie Pippen. At 23 years old, Pippen Jr. has quickly established himself as a promising talent, now guarding the Memphis Grizzlies' backcourt with verve and determination.
Transition from G League to NBA
Pippen Jr., standing at 6-foot-1, emerged from the South Bay Lakers in the G League with aspirations that almost took him overseas. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," he admits, reflecting on the uncertainty that peppered his early career. Yet, his narrative took a pivotal turn when the Grizzlies offered him a two-way contract in January, presenting an opportunity he seized with both hands.
Initially waived by the Los Angeles Lakers post-training camp and without a qualifying offer after his rookie season, Pippen Jr. found an unexpected home with the Grizzlies. His hard work culminated in a four-year contract signed in the preseason, marking a significant step in his professional journey.
An Emerging Force on the Court
Tasked with replacing the dynamic Ja Morant during periods of injury, Pippen Jr. made the most of his moment in the spotlight. Demonstrating both skill and composure, he started games, helping lineups featuring him and Morant outscore opponents by an impressive 19 points per 100 possessions. Pippen Jr. is averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes with an outstanding 62.8% true shooting percentage, alongside 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks, all indicative of his growing influence on both ends of the court.
His prowess from behind the arc is particularly noteworthy, with a remarkable 48% success rate on catch-and-shoot three-pointers, proving his capability to be a constant offensive threat. This season has already seen him achieve a triple-double and post an impressive 28-point, four-steal game against the Lakers last April, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
A Coach's and Team's Confidence
Pippen Jr.'s defensive tenacity hasn’t gone 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 Head Coach Taylor Jenkins. These attributes exemplify the relentless nature the Grizzlies value, adding a layer of grit to their defense.
Dennis Schroder, a seasoned guard himself, echoes this sentiment. "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do," Schroder noted, applauding Pippen Jr.'s ability to elevate the game's pace and disrupt opponents.
Forging His Own Legacy
Pippen Jr. is determined to define his career on his terms. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," he reflects, illustrating a mindset focused on personal growth and proving his worth beyond lineage. Jaren Jackson Jr., one of his teammates, admires this diligence, remarking, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy."
In a sport often dictated by legacies and familial ties, Pippen Jr. is setting his course. Schroder succinctly articulates the young guard's trajectory, "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man." With the Memphis Grizzlies currently boasting a 7-4 record this season, Pippen Jr.'s contributions are increasingly pivotal as they aim for a deep playoff run.
As the season unfolds, Scotty Pippen Jr. is no longer just the son of a legend. He is a burgeoning star, etching his name on the hardwood, with every steal, assist, and shot proving his place in the NBA and sports lore. Whether crafting defensive masterpieces or delivering under pressure offensively, Pippen Jr. exemplifies a player committed to forging his own identity, one formidable performance at a time.