Could the Son of This NBA Legend Transform the Grizzlies?
With the loss of Desmond Bane this offseason, the Memphis Grizzlies are in need of another star to keep them at a level where they feel they can win a championship. Sure, the acquisitions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and Ty Jerome are sure to help the Grizzlies, but KCP and Cole Anthony will most likely be role players who bring more experience than talent. Ty Jerome is a solid piece, being a prolific three-point shooter and a big piece of the Cavs’ 60-win season, but he doesn’t ring “star” either. However, one player on the Grizzlies seems to be excited about the next season, even saying it will be his biggest one yet. That player is Scottie Pippen’s son, Scotty Pippen Jr.
The son of an NBA legend, Scotty Pippen Jr., is a guard out of Vanderbilt University and has played three seasons in his NBA career thus far. During his first two seasons, he got minimal playing time, but in his third year, young Scotty played 79 games for the Grizzlies, where he averaged ten points per game, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists with a three-point percentage of nearly 40%. Now entering year four, Scotty Pippen Jr. is ready to take the next step. "I feel good this year going into it. "I feel like the end of last year, a lot of people saw me take another step in my career. So, this year is going to be big for me." If Pippen Jr. can back up his confidence with his play, it’s a surefire win for the Grizzlies.
As mentioned before, the loss of Desmond Bane, in particular his three-point shooting, leaves a hole in the Grizzlies’ offence. If Scotty Pippen Jr. can elevate his game, he could maybe help fill that goal. Simply raising his stats to 16 points per game and six assists would make him a good third option behind Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. This would allow Scotty to lessen the workload for these two injury-prone stars, thus giving them more rest minutes, something they each desperately need. Plus, if he can maintain his 40% three-point percentage, that’s an added bonus that would allow the Grizzlies to still be a threat from deep, which is essential to being relevant in the modern NBA.
Still only 24 years old, Scotty Pippen Jr. is in his pivotal growth stages as a player. Right now, he’s only just a good role player, but he has the potential for more. A big improvement in his skills could go a long way to help keep the Grizzlies relevant. From his three-point percentage, his durability, and his athleticism, Scotty Pippen Jr. has the potential to fill Desmond Bane’s shoes and maybe even surpass him. It’s really up to him.
