The Memphis Grizzlies are signing two-way guard Scotty Pippen Jr. to a normal, multiyear NBA contract, in line with Shams Charania. Pippen, the son of Corridor of Famer Scottie Pippen, was an undrafted free agent in 2022 after a profitable three-year school profession at Vanderbilt. He signed a two-way cope with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2022-23 season, however could not impress the group sufficient to earn actual alternatives on the NBA stage.

In January of 2024, although, he signed a two-way cope with the Grizzlies, and due to the entire accidents they suffered final season, he obtained loads of enjoying time down the stretch. He made essentially the most of it, averaging 12.9 factors on almost 50% capturing and virtually 42% from 3-point vary. His protection, a minimum of at his measurement, additionally stood out. Pippen is a small level guard with apparent bodily limitations, however he shortly emerged as a turnover-generating machine that averaged 1.7 steals per recreation.

Final season wasn’t typical for the Grizzlies, although. It is a group that expects to contend. With Ja Morant and different veterans presumably wholesome as soon as once more, Pippen seemingly will not see the 25 minutes or so per recreation he performed final season. He’s now going to must settle right into a smaller reserve function.

However one of many advantages of final season’s points for Memphis was that they gave the Grizzlies time to judge potential long-term matches. Pippen, GG Jackson and Vince Williams all emerged as viable function gamers who’ve since acquired NBA contracts. With Morant again and the Grizzlies again within the playoff image, these children are going to supply useful and low cost depth for a potential contender.