Scotty Pippen Jr.'s basketball journey is emblematic of grit and determination - two attributes that have imbued every step of his young career. At just 23, Pippen is carving out his own identity in the NBA, distinct from his illustrious father. Now signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, he wields a tenacity on the court that's hard to overlook.
A Grizzly Opportunity
Pippen's path to the Grizzlies has been anything but straightforward. After the Los Angeles Lakers waived him post-training camp, and without a qualifying offer following his rookie season, Pippen was at a crossroads. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," he admits. However, opportunity knocked when the Memphis Grizzlies came calling with a two-way contract in January.
Seizing the opportunity, Pippen quickly became a vital part of the team. His defensive prowess and capability to change the momentum of the game have not only impressed his peers but have also drawn admiration from the coaching staff. "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," Head Coach Taylor Jenkins remarked.
Making His Mark
Standing 6-foot-1, Pippen plays as a guard, and his playing style is anything but passive. With averages of 17.1 points per 36 minutes and a 62.8% true shooting percentage, his offensive metrics echo his all-around game. His 48% catch-and-shoot three-point success rate makes him a critical threat from the perimeter – a testament to his polished shooting skills.
Defensively, Pippen is a cornerstone. He averages 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, proving his capabilities extend beyond scoring. His commitment to defense is echoed by teammate Dennis Schroder, who highlights Pippen's integral role: "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
Stepping Up in Memphis
The current NBA season has seen the Grizzlies achieve a commendable 7-4 record, in part due to their strategic use of Pippen during games. His chemistry with fellow guard Ja Morant has been particularly effective, with lineups featuring both players outscoring opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions during games Morant was sidelined by injuries. Pippen proved himself a competent starter – his game against the Lakers last April where he posted 28 points and four steals further cements his credibility.
Pippen isn't one to bask in his accomplishments, though. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," he reveals. His commitment is unwavering, as evidenced by his remarkable triple-double earlier this season – a feat that underscores his versatility and resolve.
Creating His Legacy
Pippen’s growth has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Jaren Jackson Jr. compliments his smooth transition as a point guard: "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." Pippen is diligently paving his way, independent of the expectations associated with his surname. "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man," observes Dennis Schroder, encapsulating the essence of Pippen's journey.
In the ever-competitive landscape of the NBA, Scotty Pippen Jr. is proving that he's more than just a legacy player. With a four-year contract now secured with the Grizzlies, he is primed to evolve further, adding to his repertoire of skills and burgeoning reputation. The road ahead is ripe with challenges and possibilities, and if his present trajectory is any indication, Pippen Jr. will tackle them head-on, much like how he defends on the court – with passion and unyielding purpose.