Scotty Pippen Jr.: Carving His Own Path in the NBA
At 23 years old, Scotty Pippen Jr. is swiftly making a name for himself in the NBA, shedding the weighty expectations tethered to his famous surname. Currently a stalwart for the Memphis Grizzlies, Pippen is demonstrating the attributes of a tenacious and skilled guard, a role he has embraced with open arms following a turbulent start to his professional career.
Pippen, standing at 6-foot-1, began his journey in the G League with the South Bay Lakers. Despite showing promise, his transition into the ranks of the NBA was initially met with obstacles. The Los Angeles Lakers chose to waive Pippen after a training camp and refrained from extending a qualifying offer after his rookie season, a moment that could have deterred many. Reflecting on this period, Pippen candidly shared, "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas." This contemplation underscores the uncertainty he faced in the early phase of his career.
However, fortunes took a turn as Pippen secured a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in January. The opportunity to play alongside star point guard Ja Morant was both a challenge and an opportunity. During periods when Morant was sidelined due to injuries, Pippen stepped up to offer valuable contributions on the court. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins commended these efforts, noting the immediate impact Pippen had, 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."
Indeed, Pippen's on-court tenacity has not gone unnoticed. Fellow league player Dennis Schroder emphasized Pippen's defensive prowess: "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do." These full-court efforts have contributed to the Grizzlies' early-season success, boasting a 7-4 record that highlights the team's effective management of any adversities faced on the court.
The statistical contributions from Pippen further emphasize his growing value. He averages an impressive 17.1 points per 36 minutes while maintaining a remarkable 62.8% true shooting percentage. Known for his defensive acumen, Pippen also records 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, rounding out a skillset that is invaluable for the Grizzlies.
Pippen’s performances have included standout games, most notably against his former team, the Lakers, where he posted 28 points and four steals. His ability to deliver under pressure has been an asset for Memphis. Additionally, his prowess with the catch-and-shoot three-pointer—achieving a 48% success rate—has aided in stretching opposing defenses, creating space for teammates such as Ja Morant to excel.
As Pippen continues to craft his NBA legacy, there's a palpable sense of self-belief guiding him. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," Pippen disclosed, highlighting his motivation to solidify his place in the league. Jaren Jackson Jr., a Grizzlies forward, acknowledges the challenges Pippen faces as a point guard yet lauds his seamless execution: "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy."
The Memphis organization also seems to have immense faith in Pippen's potential. Signing a four-year contract during the preseason is a testament to the trust they have in his abilities, skills, and the leadership he brings to the team dynamic.
Despite being a second-generation player in a league synonymous with legends, Pippen is determined to establish his own legacy. His journey is an inspiring narrative of resilience and transformation, avoiding the shadows of expectation and embracing his role as a dynamic touchstone for the Memphis Grizzlies. "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man," Schroder aptly commented. For Scotty Pippen Jr., the future looks promising as he continues to prove that he is indeed his own man, carving out a path distinctively his, within the annals of professional basketball.