The journey of Scotty Pippen Jr. from the peripheries of professional basketball to his burgeoning presence with the Memphis Grizzlies is a captivating tale of perseverance, talent, and self-belief. At just 23, Pippen stands at the crossroad of what looks to be a promising NBA career, carving out his niche while navigating the shadow of a well-known last name in the sport.
From G League to Grizzlies
Pippen Jr.'s path has been anything but ordinary. At 6-foot-1, he steps onto the court with the tenacity and skill that belies his youthful age. Having initially honed his skills with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where his ambitions were nearly derailed, Pippen revealed, "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas." However, a decisive turning point came when the Los Angeles Lakers, who did not offer him a qualifying contract post his rookie season, waived him after a training camp. This upheaval led him to secure a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in January.
This opportunity became Pippen's catalyst, as he soon transitioned into a more prominent role with the Grizzlies, especially during instances when star guard Ja Morant was absent due to injuries. His performance in such moments showcased his ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the league's best, with lineups featuring both him and Morant outscoring competitors by a remarkable 19 points per 100 possessions.
Impressive Performances and Growing Reputation
The statistics affirm the caliber of Pippen's play. Averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes with an impressive true shooting percentage of 62.8%, he has demonstrated a knack for contributing on both ends of the court. Pippen’s defense has also been noteworthy; he manages 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, reflecting a well-rounded game. Earlier in the season, he achieved a rare milestone—a triple-double, a testament to his versatility.
His coach, Taylor Jenkins, admirably spoke of Pippen's contributions: "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." On offense, Pippen showcases his lethal shooting capabilities, marked by a 48% success rate with catch-and-shoot three-pointers.
Crafting a Legacy
While Pippen's performances on the court are objectively impressive, the mental and strategic elements of his game play an equally significant role. When asked about the challenges he faces, he candidly noted, "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here." His humility and drive resonate with his teammates, encapsulated by fellow player Jaren Jackson Jr.'s observation: "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy."
Furthermore, his consistent display of fortitude and skill doesn't go unnoticed by his teammates. Dennis Schroder, a veteran presence in the league, emphasized this, saying, "It's his own legacy. He is his own man." Schroder's words underscore the importance of Pippen stepping out of the narrative set by his father's illustrious career, asserting his unique contributions and personal journey within the NBA.
The Road Ahead
With the Grizzlies currently holding a 7-4 record this season, Pippen’s impact cannot be overstated—especially following standout performances, such as his 28-point and four-steal effort against the Lakers last April. His presence adds a dynamic edge to the team's lineup, with the promise of more headline-grabbing performances.
Pippen’s story testifies not just to his skill but to the power of resilience and the courage to forge one's path amidst adversity. As the Grizzlies continue their campaign, all eyes will be on him to see how he builds upon this foundation, navigating the challenges and triumphs of NBA seasons to come.