Scotty Pippen Jr.: Crafting His Own Path
Scotty Pippen Jr. is carving out his legacy in professional basketball with a potent blend of skill, tenacity, and ambition. At just 23 years old, the young guard stands out not just for his familial ties to NBA royalty but for his own burgeoning career. Standing six-foot-one, Pippen Jr. has established himself as a dynamic presence on the court, demonstrating that he is much more than just a name.
Pippen's professional journey has not been without its challenges. After spending time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, he faced the setback of being waived by the Los Angeles Lakers following a training camp. The decision came after a rookie season with the Lakers that ended without the extension of a qualifying offer. Reflecting on that period, Pippen Jr. candidly revealed, "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas."
However, opportunity knocked in January when the Memphis Grizzlies saw potential in Pippen's game and signed him to a two-way contract. This pivotal moment set the stage for Pippen to make a significant impact, especially during crunch periods when he filled in for an injured Ja Morant. Pippen's performance proved crucial, with lineups featuring both him and Morant outscoring opponents by an impressive 19 points per 100 possessions.
A Rising Star with a Defining Season
Entering the preseason, Pippen solidified his role with the Grizzlies, securing a four-year contract. His statistics reflect a player on the rise: he averages 17.1 points per 36 minutes, coupled with an impressive 62.8% true shooting percentage. Notably, his defensive prowess is not to be dismissed, with averages of 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes and a remarkable 48% success rate with catch-and-shoot three-pointers. Demonstrating his all-around capabilities, Pippen achieved a triple-double earlier this season.
The Grizzlies have benefited from Pippen's contributions, currently holding a 7-4 record to start the season. One highlight was his standout performance against his former team, the Lakers, where he dropped 28 points and snatched four steals. It was a statement game that marked his evolution from promising rookie to a vital component of the Grizzlies' lineup.
Respect Amongst Peers
Pippen's impact hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches. Veteran point guard Dennis Schroder praised Pippen, saying, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do." Meanwhile, Grizzlies 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."
On the court, Pippen exhibits a maturity that belies his young age. Jaren Jackson Jr., one of his teammates, remarked, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy." This ability to keep his composure and deliver excellent plays has endeared him to fans and peers alike.
A Legacy of His Own
While much of Pippen's early career was overshadowed by expectations carried with his famous name, he is focused on stepping out of the long shadow cast by his father, Scottie Pippen, an NBA Hall of Famer. Dennis Schroder's insight into Pippen Jr.'s mentality encapsulates the young guard's current mindset: "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man."
Pippen himself seems more concerned about proving his worth to himself than meeting external expectations, stating, "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here."
As Pippen Jr. continues to evolve and make significant strides on the court, he is not just filling a role but also forging a path distinctly his own. The story of Scotty Pippen Jr. in the NBA is still being written, and if his recent performances are any indication, it promises to be a thrilling narrative full of potential and promise. With the Grizzlies backing him, and his drive and talent leading the way, the future looks bright for the young guard making waves in professional basketball.