Pippen Charts His Own Course in the NBA
Scotty Pippen Jr. is making a name for himself in the world of professional basketball. At just 23 years old, Pippen is no longer confined to the shadows of his father's illustrious career. Standing 6-foot-1 and playing as a guard, he has quickly become a key player for the Memphis Grizzlies, where he signed a four-year contract in the preseason.
A Journey from G League to NBA Stardom
Pippen's journey to the NBA has been anything but conventional. He first showcased his skills in the G League with the South Bay Lakers. Despite a promising performance, the Los Angeles Lakers waived him after a training camp, not extending a qualifying offer after his rookie season. Faced with uncertainty, Pippen considered playing overseas. "I was ready to leave the G League, maybe go overseas," he stated, reflecting on a pivotal moment in his career.
However, his fortunes changed when he secured a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in January. It was during Ja Morant's absence that Pippen truly made his mark. He not only filled the gap but excelled, demonstrating an ability to change the dynamics of the game. Lineups featuring both Pippen and Morant outscored opponents by a remarkable 19 points per 100 possessions, proving his invaluable contribution on the court.
An Imposing Presence
Pippen's performance has been nothing short of impressive. Averaging 17.1 points per 36 minutes with a 62.8% true shooting percentage, he shows a remarkable efficiency for a young guard. He also contributes defensively, averaging 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes, underscoring his readiness to bring a "toughness" to the game. In the words of Dennis Schroder, "Gotta bring some toughness. Defensively, picking up full court, changing the game, speeding the game up. And that's what he do."
The Grizzlies' head coach, Taylor Jenkins, praised Pippen's disruptive defensive play, stating, "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."
Carving Out His Own Path
Pippen's path to recognition has not been without challenges. He notes, "I was more so just trying to prove to myself that I belonged here." Yet, his recent performances leave little doubt about his belonging. Earlier this season, Pippen achieved a triple-double and had a standout 28-point and four-steal game against his former team, the Lakers.
Jaren Jackson Jr., a fellow Grizzlies player, acknowledged Pippen's prowess, describing his transition as seamless, "As a point guard, it's hard, but he's making it look easy."
Impact and Legacy
Pippen's impact on the Grizzlies is palpable. The team is currently sporting a 7-4 record, bolstered by his 48% success rate with catch-and-shoot three-pointers. His evolving skills and influence are crucial factors in the Grizzlies' competitive standing this season.
While Pippen Jr. carries a legendary surname, his journey in the NBA is uniquely his. Dennis Schroder succinctly encapsulates the sentiment surrounding Pippen: "It’s his own legacy. He is his own man." Scotty Pippen Jr. is not only proving his place in the league but is also boldly crafting his own identity in the basketball world, undeterred by any comparisons.