Scotty Pippen Jr.: Crafting His Own Legacy
In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, the story of 23-year-old Scotty Pippen Jr. is rapidly unfolding with promising new chapters. Standing at 6-foot-1 and displaying a skill set that belies his years, Pippen Jr. is making an indelible mark in the NBA, determined to carve out his own legacy rather than rely on the shadow of his father, NBA legend Scottie Pippen.
Once on the verge of leaving the G League to explore opportunities overseas, Pippen Jr. now finds himself an integral part of the Memphis Grizzlies' roster. After being waived by the Los Angeles Lakers post-training camp and not receiving a qualifying offer after his rookie season, Pippen Jr.'s path seemed uncertain. However, securing a two-way contract with the Grizzlies in January provided him with the opportunity he had been seeking. He made his presence felt almost immediately, especially when called upon to start during Ja Morant's injury spells.
Playing alongside and sometimes in place of Morant, Pippen Jr. showcased his abilities not just as a reliable guard but also as a disruptor on defense. Lineups featuring both players outscored opponents significantly, displaying a synergy that has contributed to the Grizzlies' solid start to the season with a 7-4 record. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," Pippen Jr. shared, underscoring his inward drive and determination.
This drive was further exemplified in his standout performance last April, when Pippen Jr. scored 28 points and recorded four steals against his former team, the Lakers. His capacity to contribute on both ends of the court hasn’t gone unnoticed—his 17.1 points per 36 minutes, coupled with a 62.8% true shooting percentage, speaks volumes about his efficiency. Pippen Jr. also averages 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, emphasizing his impact as a defensive asset.
The Grizzlies saw enough potential in Pippen Jr. to offer him a four-year contract during the preseason. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins expressed high praise for the young guard, 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." This endorsement not only recognizes Pippen Jr.'s basketball skills but also his mental tenacity and work ethic.
Fellow teammates, too, have taken notice. Dennis Schroder commented on Pippen's influence on the team's dynamic, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do." This acknowledgment reinforces Pippen Jr.'s reputation as a gritty competitor willing to leave everything on the court. Jaren Jackson Jr. also shared his admiration: "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." Indeed, Pippen Jr.'s ability to seamlessly manage the court speaks to his growing confidence and maturity as a player.
On offense, Pippen Jr.'s success with catch-and-shoot three-pointers, boasting a 48% success rate, adds yet another layer of depth to his game. His recent triple-double adds a feather to his cap, marking a milestone in what could potentially be a pivotal season for the young guard.
Dennis Schroder aptly summarized what many observers have come to realize: "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man." As Scotty Pippen Jr. continues to develop and impress, it becomes increasingly clear that he is writing his own story in the NBA, one marked by determination, skill, and a relentless pursuit of belonging at the highest level. The coming years hold immense potential for Pippen Jr. to further establish himself, not just as the son of an NBA great, but as a formidable player in his own right.