Scotty Pippen Jr.'s NBA Ascent: Forging His Own Path
At 23, Scotty Pippen Jr. is etching his own legacy in professional basketball, stepping out from the shadows cast by his legendary father's name. Standing at 6-foot-1, Pippen has emerged as an influential guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, the team he joined after a stint with the Los Angeles Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
Finding His Place with the Grizzlies
After a rocky start, including a waiver from the Lakers post-training camp, Pippen Jr. has secured a firm footing with the Grizzlies. His journey to Memphis wasn't conventional. Initially without a qualifying offer from the Lakers following his rookie season, Pippen had considered leaving the G League and exploring overseas opportunities. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," he candidly revealed, reflecting on the crossroads he faced.
However, the Grizzlies saw potential in Pippen, offering him a two-way contract in January. This move proved to be pivotal in his career. During Ja Morant's injury spells, Pippen started games and proved that he belonged on the NBA floor. When the Grizzlies paired Pippen with Morant, lineups featuring both guards outscored opponents by a staggering 19 points per 100 possessions. It was this impact that inspired confidence in Grizzlies' Head Coach Taylor Jenkins, who remarked, "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."
Performance and Growth
Pippen's statistics underscore his growing influence on the court. Averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes with a remarkable 62.8% true shooting percentage showcases his offensive prowess. His defensive contributions are equally noteworthy, with averages of 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes. Earlier this season, he even notched a triple-double, further cementing his versatility and value to the team.
One of his standout performances came against none other than his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, where he racked up 28 points and four steals, exemplifying his tenacity and skill. His shooting ability is another asset, demonstrated by a 48% success rate on catch-and-shoot three-pointers. As Jaren Jackson Jr. noted, Pippen's adaptation and performance as a point guard are impressive: "It's hard, but he's making it look easy."
The Road Ahead
Securing a four-year contract with the Grizzlies in the preseason solidified Pippen's future with the team. Now, with a 7-4 record this season, the Grizzlies aim to channel his energy and skillset towards greater heights. Pippen's contributions off the court are equally significant. He brings an inherent toughness and a defensive edge, attributes praised by teammates and coaches alike. Dennis Schroder captured this essence best when he said, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
Carving His Own Legacy
Despite having an iconic surname, Scotty Pippen Jr. has demonstrated that he is more than just a namesake. His determination and consistent effort have proven that he is crafting his own narrative in the league. As Dennis Schroder succinctly put it, "It's his own legacy. He is his own man."
As Pippen continues to develop and refine his game, he remains focused on showing that he belongs. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," he admits, acknowledging the personal journey that parallels his professional one.
In the competitive landscape of the NBA, Scotty Pippen Jr. is not only finding his place but also redefining expectations as he rises to the challenges that come his way. With each game, he demonstrates that his story is uniquely his own, charting a path that other young players in his position may look to follow.