Emerging from the shadows of the G League to join the ranks of the NBA, Scotty Pippen Jr. has carved out a space for himself as a dynamic guard with the Memphis Grizzlies. At just 23 years old, Pippen stands at 6-foot-1, a stature that belies the magnitude of his impact on the court. As a professional basketball player, he has steadily risen through the ranks, overcoming challenges and embracing the opportunities that come his way.
From Waivers to Opportunities
Previously with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, Pippen's NBA journey hit a roadblock when the Los Angeles Lakers waived him after a training camp. The Lakers declined to issue a qualifying offer following his rookie season, leaving Pippen at a crossroads in his career. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," Pippen confessed, underscoring the uncertainty he faced during this pivotal moment.
However, Pippen's perseverance paid off. In January, he secured a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. His entrance into the Grizzlies' fold was no mere happenstance. Scotty Pippen Jr. quickly proved his mettle, playing alongside star point guard Ja Morant and stepping up during Morant's injuries. His capacity to change the dynamics on the court soon caught the attention of fans and teammates alike.
Impressive Stats and Team Impact
Pippen’s stats reveal a player poised to make significant strides in the NBA. Averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes with an impressive 62.8% true shooting percentage, he has established himself as an offensive threat. Defensively, he averages 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, showcasing his ability to disrupt opponents’ plays.
His proficiency with catch-and-shoot three-pointers is remarkable, boasting a success rate of 48%. Such accuracy has contributed to Pippen achieving a triple-double early in the season, further cementing his rising status in the league.
The synergy he shares with his teammates has been noteworthy. Crowning his efforts, Pippen recently delivered an outstanding performance against his former team, the Lakers, with a 28-point and four-steal game last April. His collaboration with Ja Morant has been equally fruitful, with lineups featuring both players outscoring opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins noted, "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."
The Journey to Craft One's Own Legacy
Pippen's narrative is not solely about performance; it's about identity and legacy. Despite following in the footsteps of a legendary father, Scotty Pippen Jr. is acutely aware of the importance of crafting his own path in the NBA. As teammate Dennis Schroder aptly put it, “It’s his own legacy. He is his own man.” Pippen himself shared, "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here."
His tenacity and ability to make challenging gameplay appear effortless have not gone unnoticed by his peers. Jaren Jackson Jr. commented on Pippen's smooth adaptation as a point guard, saying, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." This praise reflects a recognition from the team, acknowledging Pippen’s contributions and resilience.
Looking Forward with Determination
The Memphis Grizzlies, with a solid 7-4 record this season, are undoubtedly benefiting from Pippen's presence in the lineup. Signed on a four-year contract in the preseason, he brings versatility and grit to the team, attributes that Dennis Schroder highlighted: "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
Scotty Pippen Jr.'s journey is one of triumph over adversity, demonstrating what focused determination can achieve. As he continues to settle into his role with the Grizzlies, the basketball world watches with anticipation, eager to see how this emerging talent will shape his career and contribute to the NBA landscape. As Pippen forges ahead, one thing remains clear: he is intent on making a name for himself, one game at a time.