Scotty Pippen Jr. Reflects on Growth Amid NBA Challenges

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Scotty Pippen Jr. is forging a path in the NBA, proving himself as a valuable guard for the Memphis Grizzlies since leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after his rookie year. In an exclusive interview with HoopsHype following a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Pippen Jr. discussed his adaptability as he navigates playing alongside and without star teammate Ja Morant.

“I feel like yes, I’m about to be a little bit more aggressive, but I just feel like every game I kind of approach it the same way. Whatever the team needs in me, I try to do it,” Pippen Jr. said. He emphasized his commitment to helping the team win, especially in Morant’s absence.

Despite the challenges, Pippen Jr. maintains a consistent approach. “Whenever I’m on the court, I try to play hard. If the shots come to me, I’m always trying to be aggressive. So even when Ja’s playing, I kind of play the same way,” he explained.

Pippen Jr. credits Morant with providing crucial guidance throughout his development. “He’s giving me a lot of advice. Even when we’re playing together, he’s always giving me tips. Watching him play, I feel like I pick up a lot of stuff that I’ve taken into my game,” he said.

He admires Morant’s skill in executing ball screens and his passing abilities, striving to incorporate those elements into his own gameplay. “Just the way he maneuvers in the ball screen, the way he passes the ball, I try to take some stuff from that,” Pippen Jr. remarked.

The Grizzlies possess a deep roster, and Pippen Jr. recognizes the diverse skill sets of his teammates. “Whoever is out there with me, I try to just maximize. I feel like we have a bunch of players that are different,” he stated, referring to key players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey, who bring varied skills to the court.

This season has brought shifts in Pippen Jr.’s role, from starting to coming off the bench. “I was just going out there playing hard. My role has changed a lot this year, starting, coming off the bench, and out of the rotation, so I was always being ready,” he noted.

Pippen Jr. expressed appreciation for the support of his father, NBA legend Scottie Pippen, attending his games—both at home in Memphis and on the road. “It’s cool just to see finally I’m at this level. Him being able to come to my game and support me is special,” he said.

He acknowledges that having his father’s experience gives him insights that many others don’t receive. “I feel like he sees the game a little bit differently than most parents, and I just always have him as a resource to give me feedback after games,” he explained.

Reflecting on his journey, Pippen Jr. feels he is establishing his identity separate from his father’s legacy. “I felt more pressure when I was in high school just because people only associated me as being his son, but I feel like I’m kind of carving my own path now,” he said.