30 Points and 10 Assists: Has Scottie Pippen Jr. Finally Broken Out?

In a surprising turn of events, the Memphis Grizzlies, despite missing key players Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, and Zach Edey, defeated the Chicago Bulls 142-131 on the road. The victory was led by an unexpected hero: Scottie Pippen Jr., a player who has flown under the radar for much of his NBA career.

Pippen Jr., a 2022 undrafted free agent and son of Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen, delivered a career-best performance in the absence of Memphis’s usual stars. Starting and playing 32 minutes, Pippen Jr. put up an impressive stat line: 30 points, 2 rebounds, and 10 assists on 13-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. His 30 points marked a career-high, while his 10 assists represented his fifth double-digit assist game of the season.

Pippen Jr. was particularly dominant in the third quarter, going a perfect 6-of-6 from the field and tallying 14 points and 4 assists. Incredibly, his scoring and playmaking in that quarter alone surpassed the totals from his entire stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.

From Undrafted to Breakout Player

Scottie Pippen Jr. didn’t have the elite physical tools or lofty expectations that accompanied his father’s Hall of Fame career. Standing at just 6-foot-1 (1.85 meters) and playing as a point guard, Pippen Jr. entered the 2022 NBA Draft without much fanfare. He went undrafted but was given an Exhibit-10 contract by the Los Angeles Lakers. Many speculated that the Lakers signed him more out of respect for his father’s legacy than for his potential.

However, Pippen Jr. quickly showed he had talent beyond his name. While he didn’t get significant playing time with the Lakers, he shined in the G League, recording notable performances such as a 41-point, 5-rebound, 6-assist game and a 27-point triple-double. Despite these flashes, Pippen Jr. only appeared in six NBA games for the Lakers, logging a total of 32 minutes and contributing 14 points and 2 assists.

The Lakers ultimately released Pippen Jr., opting to have him continue in the G League. His limited opportunities and the team’s veteran-heavy roster left him feeling undervalued, as he later remarked:
"I don’t feel like I was given a real opportunity. During training camp, I thought I performed well, and even some coaches and players praised my game. But as the season went on, it felt like it was over before it started. I didn’t think I got a shot during the preseason or regular season, and that was tough to process."

Despite the disappointment, Pippen Jr. expressed no resentment toward the Lakers, acknowledging their role in starting his NBA journey.

A Fresh Start with Memphis

Ahead of the 2023-24 season, Pippen Jr. signed a two-way contract with the injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis’s depleted roster opened the door for Pippen Jr., and he seized the opportunity. In his first season with the Grizzlies, he played 21 games (16 starts) and averaged 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals, while shooting 49.3% from the field, 41.7% from three, and 74.5% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage of 59.6% silenced critics who dismissed him as merely a stat-padder on a struggling team.

Recognizing his contributions, the Grizzlies rewarded Pippen Jr. with a four-year standard NBA contract, securing his role as part of the team’s rotation.

Proving Himself This Season

This year, Pippen Jr. has continued to impress. Through 17 games, he’s averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 26 minutes per game, with shooting splits of 48.5% FG, 40.0% 3PT, and 77.8% FT. His true shooting percentage of 58.8% further highlights his offensive efficiency.

Notably, Pippen Jr. recorded his first career triple-double earlier this season against the Washington Wizards, finishing with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. The achievement placed him and his father in the NBA record books as the league’s first father-son duo to record triple-doubles.

Despite his smaller frame, Pippen Jr. has found ways to make an impact. His combination of playmaking, shooting, and basketball IQ has allowed him to thrive in a complementary role. In games where Ja Morant is unavailable, Pippen Jr. has proven he can step into the starting lineup and perform at a high level.

Reflecting on Missed Opportunities

Pippen Jr.’s success in Memphis has left some wondering whether the Lakers missed out on a valuable asset. His 30-point, 10-assist performance against the Bulls serves as a testament to his abilities and potential as an impactful role player in the NBA.

However, it’s worth noting that team contexts differ. Even if the Lakers had retained Pippen Jr., their veteran-heavy rotation might have limited his development. Memphis’s injury struggles provided him with a unique chance to play meaningful minutes and showcase his growth.

The Future for Pippen Jr.

For Scottie Pippen Jr., the journey from undrafted free agent to reliable NBA rotation player has been far from easy. Yet, his perseverance, adaptability, and consistent improvement have allowed him to carve out a place in the league.

As the season progresses, Pippen Jr. has an opportunity to solidify his role with the Grizzlies and perhaps even build a case for long-term success. For now, his story is a reminder that in the NBA, talent and hard work can overcome pedigree—or the lack thereof.

Sometimes, all it takes is the right opportunity. Scottie Pippen Jr. is proving that he’s more than just a name; he’s a player who deserves to shine in his own right.