Amid the glitzy world of basketball, where towering figures often steal the limelight, Scotty Pippen Jr. is quietly carving out a legacy that transcends the shadow of his famous lineage. At 23, Pippen has showcased his burgeoning talent and tenacious spirit with the Memphis Grizzlies, emerging as a guard who offers more than just a familiar name.
A Journey of Determination
Pippen arrived in Memphis under unique circumstances. Initially with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, his path took a significant turn when the Los Angeles Lakers waived him after a training camp and did not extend a qualifying offer post his rookie season. Contemplating a move overseas, Pippen noted, "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas." Yet, fate had different plans when he secured a two-way contract with the Grizzlies in January. His determination to prove his worth, particularly to himself, was palpable. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," he stated.
Making an Impact in Memphis
Once equipped with a two-way contract, Pippen swiftly made his presence felt, especially alongside star player Ja Morant. Playing key roles during Morant's injuries, Pippen demonstrated why the Grizzlies' management held him in such high esteem. His ability to collaborate effectively on the court was not only beneficial but also strategic: lineups featuring both Pippen and Morant outperformed opponents significantly, outscoring them by 19 points per 100 possessions.
Head Coach Taylor Jenkins praised Pippen's disruptive style, saying, "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." His defensive prowess was similarly noted by veteran player Dennis Schroder, who commented, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
Proving His Mettle
Pippen's statistics underscore his influential role on the team. He averages 17.1 points per 36 minutes with a notable 62.8% true shooting percentage. His defensive acumen is reflected in his 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes. Additionally, his catch-and-shoot three-point success rate stands at an impressive 48%. Earlier this season, he managed to secure a triple-double, and against a formidable opponent like the Lakers last April, he recorded a splendid performance with 28 points and four steals.
Building His Own Legacy
Despite the natural comparisons to his NBA Hall of Fame father, Scotty Pippen Jr. is dedicated to establishing his own identity on the court. Dennis Schroder poignantly observed, "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man." As he maneuvers through the challenges and triumphs of professional basketball, Pippen remains focused and undeterred, continuously proving that his skills resonate beyond his last name.
For the Memphis Grizzlies, currently boasting a 7-4 record this season, Pippen's contributions have been noteworthy. Jaren Jackson Jr. marveled at his composure and skill, remarking, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." As the season progresses, the Grizzlies and their fans eagerly await his continued impact in the NBA, where every step he takes solidifies his standing as a talented and promising player in his own right.