Scotty Pippen Jr. Dazzles In Summer League, Increasing Chances Of Making Opening Day Roster

Scotty Pippen Jr. became just the sixth player in NBA Summer League history with a triple-double with 23 points, ten rebounds and ten assists in a 99-98 win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Although the Memphis Grizzles lost to the Miami Heat the following game, Pippen’s play should earn him a roster spot next season. He finished the Summer League, averaging 21.5 points per game and 8.6 assists.

Pippen Jr. received starting time on the Grizzles to end last season as the team fell out of playoff contention and dealt with injuries. In 21 games, he started 16 of them, averaging just under 13 points per game while shooting 49% from the field and 42% from three.

The son of the NBA Hall of Famer was not drafted out of Vanderbilt in 2022. He spent three seasons with the Commodores, including the 2020 Covid-shortened year. In his junior year, he averaged over 20 points per game and started 36 games for his school, but that did not warrant a selection. NBA teams had questions about his size and position because of his slight 6’1” 170-pound frame.

After going undrafted, Pippen Jr. signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining their Summer League team and G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. He spent two seasons with the G-League Lakers before the Grizzlies signed him to a two-way contract in January.

After a down year in 2023-24, Memphis looks to vault back into contention. The Grizzlies finished last season 27-55, third worst in the Western Conference, even after trading for former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. The team also faced distractions off the court due to their superstar Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension sentenced by Commissioner Adam Silver at the beginning of the season. When Morant returned, he played nine games before shoulder surgery ended his season. Memphis hopes that a healthy roster and the addition of Zach Edey with the #9 pick in the NBA Draft can put them back in the Western Conference race.