Scotty Pippen Jr.‘s harmonious impact has been a revelation for Taylor Jenkins this season. The Vanderbilt alum has made a notable name in Jenkins’ rotations. Pippen Jr.’s court awareness and quick decision-making have translated rapidly to the hardwood. The Memphis Grizzlies are off to a so-so start at 4-3 but they have gained some momentum as of late. Pippen Jr.’s intangibles and dynamic skillset have been on full display behind lead point Ja Morant since the season kicked off. After recently inking a four-year standard deal worth $9.6 million, the 23-year-old hasn’t looked back.
Scotty Pippen Jr’s Vast Impact Parallels Ja’s Backup PGs of Past
One thing Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins always makes sure of is keeping a competent floor general handy off the bench. Even with one of the game’s elite at the position at his disposal superstar Ja Morant, Jenkins understands the value of putting his players in different spots on the floor. Pippen Jr is a change-of-pace guard who ignites tempo and ball movement whenever he enters the game. So far this season, Scotty Pippen Jr. is averaging 11 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game in 24 minutes. His 7.3 assists rank 9th best in the NBA. Amongst all players dishing out at least six assists a game (26 qualifying players), Pippen Jr is averaging the seventh-fewest turnovers in the association.
Blues City Table Setter
Pippen Jr. is an intriguing playmaker because he passes into quality looks regardless of the recipient. Unlike most high-volume orchestrators and distributors, Pippen Jr is rarely stationary. Even when he’s not the featuring de facto lead guard, he still finds means of balancing the floor and maximizing the potential of a possession. As willing of a passer on the roster, Pippen Jr. makes it a priority to find his trailing shooters. One wrinkle that’s been proven to be very effective in Pippen Jr’s game is relocating to the recipient of his passes to set them a screen. He’s not a point guard who’s eager to look for his offense but don’t let his demeanor fool you. The third-year floor general is always in search of maximizing the best shot on a possession-to-possession basis.
In Saturday night’s 124-107 road rout against the Philadelphia 76ers, Pippen Jr. totaled 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 13 assists on four of nine shooting from the floor in 29 minutes. The Sierra Canyon product has made the most of his increased playing time due to Desmond Bane being sidelined with an oblique injury. Pippen Jr. has demanded and earned the respect of opposing defenses as well. He’s shooting 42.9% on Catch and Shoot three-point field goals this season and 41.2% from deep overall.
Pippen Jr.’s impact has been an understated integral element of a Memphis Grizzlies squad pacing the sixth-highest-scoring team in the NBA. Similarly to former Grizzlies point guard Tyus Jones, Pippen Jr. has grown into a vital contributor off the bench, alleviating Morant of the constant playmaking duties. Jones has finished in the top five in assist-to-turnover ratio every season dating back to 2018-19. When Pippen Jr. checks in, not only does the Grizzlies’ offense not fall off, but it prospers exponentially.
Like Father, Like Son
Should we be surprised that Pippen Jr. has been a plus defender at the point of attack this season? Taylor Jenkins has already shown extensive trust in Pippen Jr. against the league’s best shot-creators. This past week in the Grizzlies’ Thursday 122-99 home win versus the Milwaukee Bucks, Pippen Jr helped hold his opposing matchup, future Hall of Famer Damian Lillard to just 1-12 shooting for the field. While guarding Lillard for 6:00 total minutes, Pippen Jr. held him to just 0-3 shooting and forced a turnover. C0-backcourt mate Jaylen Wells also chipped in limiting the superstar guard to 0-5 shooting.
Watch Scotty Pippen Jr on defense pic.twitter.com/9dbUHkbUwt
— eric (@EricTweetsNBA) November 1, 2024
Pippen Jr.’s two-way production will be something to keep a keen eye on as the season progresses. Another of all the Memphis Grizzlies’ rotations that have played at least ten minutes together, Pippen Jr. is a part of both the most effective offensive unit and defensive unit. Pippen Jr. is always lurking in the passing lanes and his hands are always proactive on point-of-attack drives. Former Grizzlies point guard De’Anthony Melton was a key rotating defensive guard that Taylor Jenkins would utilize on opponents in the half-court as well as provide additional ball-handling duties to aid Morant.
If this persistent level of play is sustainable for an extended amount of time, I can envision Pippen Jr. playing himself into the crunch time rotation. With Grizzlies’ guard Marcus Smart currently ailing with an ankle sprain, opportunities will continue to be on the horizon. The question is, who’ll be the odd man out if Pippen Jr’s steady hot streak continues? Pippen Jr. looks to continue his promising outbreak season tonight when the Grizzlies travel to the Barclays Center to take on the Brooklyn Nets.
