Scotty Pippen Jr., at just 23 years old, is crafting a legacy uniquely his own in the highly competitive world of professional basketball. The 6-foot-1 guard has been deftly maneuvering his career path through strategic gameplay and an unyielding belief in his abilities. This season, Pippen continues to make waves with the Memphis Grizzlies, showcasing a blend of talent and tenacity that speaks volumes about his basketball pedigree.
Having started his journey with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, Pippen faced the harsh realities of professional sports. The Los Angeles Lakers waived him after a training camp stint, and his future seemed uncertain when they declined to issue him a qualifying offer after his rookie season. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," Pippen reflected on his challenging period, highlighting the mental fortitude required to navigate such setbacks.
Nonetheless, Pippen's resilience paid off when he secured a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in January. This opportunity allowed him to play alongside Ja Morant, even starting games when Morant was sidelined due to injuries. The duo has developed into a dynamic pairing, with lineups featuring both players outscoring opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions. This success on the court led to Pippen signing a more secure four-year contract in the preseason.
His on-court performance has been nothing short of impressive. Pippen averages 17.1 points per 36 minutes with a stellar 62.8% true shooting percentage. His defensive prowess is evident with averages of 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, not to mention his impactful triple-double earlier this season. "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do," praised Dennis Schroder, shedding light on Pippen's significant role in defensive setups.
Pippen's ability to contribute significantly as both a starting guard and a backup to Morant exemplifies his adaptability and skill. His shooting accuracy, particularly his 48% success rate with catch-and-shoot threes, makes him a valuable asset in the Grizzlies' highly ranked transition offense. Head coach Taylor Jenkins 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."
Despite his successes, Pippen remains grounded and introspective. Reflecting on his evolution, he noted, "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here." It's this internal drive that has pushed him past challenges and motivated him to match, if not exceed, the expectations surrounding his famed last name. Jaren Jackson Jr. summed it up aptly, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy."
Pippen's influence extends beyond individual statistics, exemplified by his 28-point and four-steal game against the Lakers last April and his consistent performances this season, including back-to-back double-doubles. With the Grizzlies overcoming early-season injuries to boast a 7-4 record, Pippen's versatility and determination have been pivotal to their success.
The journey from being undrafted, brushed aside by the Lakers, to becoming a key component of the Grizzlies’ squad has not been easy. Yet, Pippen’s story is a testament to perseverance and growth. It’s a narrative of carving out space in a league that is as much about legacy as it is about individual talent. Dennis Schroder encapsulated Pippen's journey succinctly, "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man."
Scotty Pippen Jr. continues to write his tale with every game, etching a path that is distinctly his own while paying homage to the rich basketball tradition he inherits. It's clear that he is not merely occupying the court but stamping his presence with authority—a bright young talent promising much more as the season unfolds.