The Memphis Grizzlies have signed two-way guard Scotty Pippen Jr. to a regular, multiyear NBA contract, according to Shams Charania. Pippen, the son of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, was an undrafted free agent in 2022 following a great three-year college career at Vanderbilt. He signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2022-23 season, but he was unable to impress the team sufficiently to gain meaningful NBA appearances.
In January 2024, however, he signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies, and due to all of the ailments they suffered last season, he saw plenty of playing time down the stretch. He made the most of it, averaging 12.9 points on over 50% shooting, including nearly 42% from three. His defense was also impressive, especially given his size. Pippen is a diminutive point guard with apparent physical limitations, but he rapidly developed into a turnover-generating monster, averaging 1.7 steals per game.
However, last season was not normal for the Grizzlies. This is a team that expects to compete. Pippen is unlikely to play the 25 minutes per game he did last season, as Ja Morant and other veterans are expected to be healthy again. He will now have to settle for a lower reserve role.
However, one of the advantages of last season’s troubles for Memphis was that they provided the team time to explore potential long-term fits. Pippen, GG Jackson, and Vince Williams all emerged as competent role players and have subsequently signed NBA contracts. With Morant back and the Grizzlies back in the playoff race, those young players will provide valuable and inexpensive depth for a potential contender.
