In the bustling world of professional basketball, where every athlete battles to carve out their own identity, Scotty Pippen Jr. is quietly making waves. As the son of a Hall of Fame legend, Pippen Jr. faces the dual challenge of living up to a storied legacy while forging his own path. At 23 years old, he is not only embracing this challenge but thriving in it.
Finding His Place in Memphis
Pippen Jr., a professional guard standing at 6-foot-1, has joined the Memphis Grizzlies under a two-way contract sealed in January. His journey to Memphis was not straightforward. Having previously played with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, he found himself at a crossroads when the Los Angeles Lakers waived him after a training camp and opted not to extend a qualifying offer following his rookie season. Reflecting on his career trajectory, Pippen said, "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas."
But the Grizzlies saw an opportunity where others did not. They offered him a four-year contract in the preseason, an indication of their belief in his potential. Coach Taylor Jenkins recalls the moment Pippen Jr. arrived: "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." This disruptive energy proved pivotal during the times when he filled in for Ja Morant due to injuries, with lineups featuring both players outscoring opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions.
On-Court Impact
Pippen Jr.'s statistics offer a glimpse into his burgeoning impact. Averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes with a notable 62.8% true shooting percentage, his efficiency is hard to ignore. Moreover, his defensive prowess is underscored by averages of 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes. Demonstrating his flair for the spectacular, he achieved a triple-double earlier this season, cementing his role as a versatile contributor on the court.
Perhaps most impressive is Pippen Jr.'s proficiency in catch-and-shoot three-pointers, where he boasts a 48% success rate. His ability from beyond the arc not only adds depth to the Grizzlies' offensive strategy but also ensures he remains a threat in any lineup configuration.
A Growing Legacy
The Memphis Grizzlies, riding high with a 7-4 record this season, have come to rely on Pippen Jr.'s contribution. His tenacity and willingness to embrace the grind are qualities that have not gone unnoticed by teammates and coaching staff alike. Dennis Schroder, a seasoned player in his own right, highlights Pippen's influence: "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
Pippen Jr.'s performance against his former team, the Lakers, was a statement in itself. Scoring 28 points and notching four steals last April, he demonstrated his potential to excel on the biggest stages. This quest to prove himself is something he acknowledges: "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here."
For many, the expectations might have been daunting, living in the shadow of a legendary father. However, Pippen Jr. is charting his own course, as pointed out by Schroder: "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man."
An Eye Toward the Future
Jaren Jackson Jr., a rising star in the league, attests to Pippen's seamless adjustment to the rigors of the professional game: "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." His smooth transition not only reflects his innate ability but also a mental tenacity that promises a bright future.
As the NBA season progresses, Scotty Pippen Jr. continues to narrate his own story—one characterized by grit, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The basketball world watches with keen interest as this young guard from Memphis steadily rises, crafting a legacy distinctly his own.