Scotty Pippen Jr.: Crafting His Own Legacy in Memphis
At just 23 years old, Scotty Pippen Jr. is carving out a compelling identity in the professional basketball scene. Standing at 6-foot-1, Pippen is known for his tenacity on the court, operating as a guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. Once contentiously waived by the Los Angeles Lakers after a training camp, Pippen has found a new home and fresh opportunity in the NBA.
A Journey from the G League
Pippen’s journey has not been without its hurdles. After a stint with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, Pippen finds himself reflecting on thoughts of leaving it all behind. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," he candidly shares. Yet, his unwavering dedication earned him a critical two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies this past January, providing him with a chance to prove his mettle at the NBA level.
Following an impressive preseason, Pippen secured a four-year deal with the Grizzlies, underscoring his value to the team. His rise was further cemented by significant performances filling in for starter Ja Morant during injury spells, where lineups featuring both Pippen and Morant outscored opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions.
Performance with Purpose
Pippen’s contributions can be felt all over the court. Averaging 17.1 points with a striking 62.8% true shooting percentage per 36 minutes, he’s proven himself to be an efficient offensive weapon. Defensively, Pippen adds 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, showcasing an all-around prowess that has become indispensable for the Grizzlies.
Earlier this season, he even notched a triple-double—a testament to his multifaceted abilities. His shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, has been stellar, performing with a 48% success rate on catch-and-shoot three-pointers.
A Force on the Court
His former teammate, Dennis Schroder, lauds Pippen's defensive grit, noting, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do." Pippen’s energetic defending style has earned praise from Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins, who shares, "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 influence extends beyond statistics. Jaren Jackson Jr., a fellow Grizzlies player, sees him continually striving to prove his place, remarking, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy."
A Standout Performance
Last April, Pippen showcased what he is capable of in a marquee matchup against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. He delivered a stellar performance highlighted by 28 points and four steals, demonstrating his readiness for critical moments and high-pressure situations.
A Unique Legacy
Despite carrying the weight of a legendary name, Pippen is determined to define his career on his own terms. Schroder captures this sentiment beautifully: "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man." Pippen echoes this personal drive, emphasizing, "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here."
As the Memphis Grizzlies maintain a strong 7-4 record this season, much of their success is owed to the contributions of young talents like Pippen, who exhibits both the skill and the drive to excel. Scotty Pippen Jr. continues to forge a legacy distinct from that of his father, seeking not just to follow in the family footsteps, but to blaze a trail uniquely his own.