A New Era for Scotty Pippen Jr. with Memphis Grizzlies
Scotty Pippen Jr., a 23-year-old guard, is swiftly carving out his niche in the professional basketball arena. Standing at 6-foot-1, Pippen has transitioned from the G League’s South Bay Lakers to a critical role with the Memphis Grizzlies, showcasing his remarkable growth and determination.
Pippen's journey witnessed a pivotal moment when he was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers after a training camp, with the team opting not to extend a qualifying offer following his rookie season. Reflecting on this uncertain period, Pippen revealed his thoughts to move overseas, saying, "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas." However, fate had other plans as he secured a two-way contract with the Grizzlies in January.
Transforming into a Key Player
Pippen quickly proved his worth to the Memphis team, particularly stepping up during the times when their star guard, Ja Morant, was sidelined due to injuries. Demonstrating both skill and grit, Pippen delivered impressive performances, and when paired with Morant, the Grizzlies lineups outperformed their opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions.
His remarkable ability to "pick up guys 94 feet" and disrupt opponent strategies left a significant impression on Head Coach Taylor Jenkins, who noted, "He was a guy that we immediately fell in love with because he was being a disruptor, he was executing game plans, he was creating turnovers."
Contract and Performance Highlights
The Memphis Grizzlies secured Pippen's talents with a four-year contract during the preseason. His on-court statistics paint the picture of a rapidly maturing player. Averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes with an impressive 62.8% true shooting percentage, Pippen is making his presence felt across the league. His defensive contributions have been noteworthy as well, averaging 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes.
Pippen's standout moment came earlier this season when he achieved a triple-double, further underlining his potential and versatility. Additionally, his precision shooting is highlighted by a 48% success rate with catch-and-shoot three-pointers, a critical asset in modern basketball.
Making a Name Beyond His Legacy
Playing under the shadow of his famous father has not deterred Pippen Jr. from forging his path. His determination to prove his mettle in the NBA resonates in his words, "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here." Fellow teammate Dennis Schroder echoes this sentiment, suggesting Pippen is cultivating "his own legacy" and asserting, "It's his own legacy. He is his own man."
Ja Morant's teammate, Jaren Jackson Jr., also acknowledges Pippen's capability, stating, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy," further affirming the young guard's growing influence in leadership roles.
Looking Forward
With the Grizzlies boasting a 7-4 record this season, Pippen's contribution has undeniably played a part in the team's success. His 28-point, four-steal game against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, last April only underlines his ability to rise to the occasion against top-tier opponents.
Pippen's performance and evolving role in the Memphis Grizzlies indicate a promising future. As he settles into his new contract and team dynamics, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he continues to develop his game and further impact the NBA landscape.