Pippen Jr. Out to Cement His Own Legacy in the NBA
At 23 years old, Scotty Pippen Jr. is crafting a narrative of his own in the NBA. The young guard, standing at 6-foot-1, has always been aware of the shadow cast by his father, NBA legend Scottie Pippen. However, his actions on the court are forging a distinct path, paving the way for a legacy unique to Scotty Jr. himself.
After a stint with the South Bay Lakers in the G League and a brief experience with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he was waived post-training camp, Pippen faced a crossroads. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," he reflected, highlighting the uncertain currents in which he had been navigating.
Fortune favored him when the Memphis Grizzlies saw potential. A two-way contract secured in January set the stage for his journey toward solidifying his place in the league. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins noted, "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 defensive grit and energy translated into significant contributions on the court, especially during moments when he filled in for the injured Ja Morant. Lineups featuring both players outscored opponents by a remarkable 19 points per 100 possessions.
Performance Metrics and Milestones
Pippen Jr.’s performance statistics echo his promise. Averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes alongside a true shooting percentage of 62.8%, Pippen Jr. stands out as a potent offensive force. His defensive stats are no less impressive, with averages of 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes. One of the season's highlights for him came in the form of a triple-double, an achievement few can claim this early in their careers.
He notably shines in catch-and-shoot scenarios, with an impressive 48% success rate from three-point range, further evidencing his scoring prowess. This shooting ability paid dividends in a standout performance last April against his former team, the Lakers, where he racked up 28 points and four steals, showcasing the growth player-of-the-game potential.
Resilience and Recognition
Pippen Jr. recognizes that life in the NBA is a challenge, especially as a guard. "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here," he admitted. The Grizzlies, currently holding a 7-4 record this season, have benefited richly from this determination and self-assurance.
Teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. acknowledged the young player's development. "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy," he noted, underscoring the rapid evolution of Pippen Jr.’s game. Such sentiments are echoed by veteran Dennis Schroder, who perceives Pippen's potential to shift the dynamics on the court with energy and commitment. "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do," Schroder remarked.
Pippen's Own Path
Though his surname carries weight, Scotty Pippen Jr. is proving that his skills and approach are what truly define him. "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man," Dennis Schroder states, summing up the essence of Pippen Jr.'s journey. His four-year contract with the Grizzlies, signed in the preseason, is more than an agreement—it’s an endorsement of his hard work, promise, and the value he brings to the team.
In the evolving narrative of an NBA season, Scotty Pippen Jr. is an emerging name, marked not just by lineage but by the tenacity, dedication, and achievements of the individual behind it. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this young guard continues to shape the game on his terms.