Most of the talk surrounding father-son duos in the NBA of late have involved Los Angeles Lakers teammates LeBron James and his son Bronny James. Of course, they made history in the season opener when they became the first ever father and son to play together in an NBA game.
Scotty Pippen Jr. has a dad that many know well, Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen. Unlike the James’ family, this father and son combo didn’t come close to playing together. The elder Pippen last played in the league in 2004, while his son didn’t make his debut until 2022.
Still, Pippen Jr.’s performance on Friday night allowed the two to be grouped together in father-son history.
Pippen Jr.’s First Triple-Double Puts Him And Dad In Record Books
Pippen Jr. Records First One On Friday Night
A member of the Memphis Grizzlies, Pippen Jr.’s team improved to 6-4 with a 128-104 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday. Making his first start of the season, the 23-year-old also recorded his first career triple-double. Star point guard Ja Morant was out due to right hip soreness, thrusting Pippen Jr. into the starting lineup. In 28 minutes of action, Pippen Jr. ended the night with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
His dad, a six-time NBA champion while with the Chicago Bulls, was known as an all-around player at both ends during his playing career. The seven-time All-Star finished his career with 17 triple-doubles. The elder Pippen finished with at least one in eight different seasons.
Now that both father and son have a triple-double in their career, they have become the first father and son to each record at least one triple-double since Dolph Schayes and his son Danny Schayes, according to NBA.com. Dolph is in the Basketball Hall of Fame for his play during the 1950s and 1960s, and he has three recorded triple-doubles. His son Danny played 18 years in the league during the 1980s and 1990s. His one career triple-double came in his second season (1982-83).
Pippen Jr. Went Undrafted Back In 2022
Pippen Jr. entered the NBA without much fanfare (other than being the son of a Hall of Famer). After spending three seasons playing collegiately for Vanderbilt, he went unselected in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Los Angeles Lakers signed Pippen Jr. to a two-way deal, but he only appeared in six games (playing just 32 minutes) for the Lakers in 2022-23. The Lakers waived him in October of 2023, prior to the 2023-24 season tipping off.
The Grizzlies were one of the more injury-plagued teams last season, and because of that, they fell far down the standings compared to the previous two years. Needing to replenish the roster, Memphis added Pippen Jr. on a two-way deal last January. He started 16 of his 21 outings with the Grizzlies last season and posted averages of 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals.
Prior to the 2024-25 season beginning, the Grizzlies converted Pippen Jr.’s contract from a two-way to a standard one. He is off to another strong start, as after 10 games, the 6-foot-1 guard is averaging 11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.1 steals. Don’t be surprised if Pippen Jr. has more triple-doubles in his playing future.
