Scotty Pippen Jr., at just 23 years old, is carving out his own path in the world of professional basketball. Standing at 6-foot-1, the dynamic guard has found a new home with the Memphis Grizzlies after a stint with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. His journey, marked by resilience and determination, is a testament to his hunger for success and his distinct style of play.
Rising Through the Ranks
Initially, Pippen faced setbacks as he navigated the choppy waters of professional basketball. He was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers after participating in their training camp and did not receive a qualifying offer following his rookie season. These early challenges had Pippen contemplating a move overseas. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," he shared candidly.
However, a turnaround came when Pippen secured a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in January. The Grizzlies saw potential in Pippen, who joined the ranks alongside standout players like Ja Morant. With Morant sidelined by injuries, Pippen had the opportunity to showcase his talents, displaying his value in lineups that outscored opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions when he and Morant shared the court.
Grit and Determination
Pippen's style is characterized by his tenacity and defensive prowess. Dennis Schroder, a fellow player, lauded his approach: "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do." Head Coach Taylor Jenkins echoed these sentiments, saying, "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."
Pippen's skills extend beyond defense, as he averages an impressive 17.1 points per 36 minutes with a true shooting percentage of 62.8%. His defensive stats are equally notable, averaging 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes. Jaren Jackson Jr. acknowledged Pippen's poise, noting, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy."
Building His Own Legacy
Pippen's performances have not only cemented his place in the Grizzlies' roster but have also begun to establish his individuality on the court. In a gripping game against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, last April, Pippen scored 28 points and recorded four steals. He even achieved a triple-double earlier this season, further solidifying his capabilities.
His proficiency with catch-and-shoot three-pointers, boasting a 48% success rate, provides yet another layer to his offensive arsenal. Pippen remarked, "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here."
As the Grizzlies hold a 7-4 record this season, Pippen's contributions are proving invaluable. His four-year contract, signed in the preseason, indicates the organization's confidence in his ability to impact the game positively. Dennis Schroder aptly summed up Pippen's journey and aspirations: "It's his own legacy. He is his own man."
In an era where the shadows of celebrated predecessors can loom large, Scotty Pippen Jr. is stepping into the spotlight with a fierce determination and a clear vision of who he wants to be—a formidable force on the court, contributing to team success while authoring his own legacy in the annals of basketball history.