The Memphis Grizzlies have seen enough from a steady multi-dimensional contributor.
On Tuesday, the franchise delivered positive news to the son of a six-time NBA champion.
“The Memphis Grizzlies are signing two-way guard Scotty Pippen Jr. on a standard multiyear NBA contract,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday. “Pippen had an impressive finish to 2023-24 and a strong NBA Summer League and preseason. Now locks in a guaranteed new deal.”
Last year, Pippen averaged 12.9 points and 4.7 assists with the Grizzlies.
Following a disappointing 2022 draft, the 6-foot-1 guard signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The son of Hall of Fame forward Scottie Pippen only appeared in six games for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season but landed an Exhibit 10 deal with the organization during the offseason.
Despite getting waived by Los Angeles last October, Pippen spent time with the South Bay Lakers as a second-year pro. Pippen secured a two-way deal with the Memphis Grizzlies in January, and the Vanderbilt product didn’t disappoint.
As a starter for most of his 2023-24 campaign in Memphis, Pippen prioritized playing efficient basketball on the offensive end of the floor. He shot 49.3 % from the field and 41.7% from three, resisting the urge to force the issue when he controlled the rock. He also recorded 1.7 steals last season with the Grizzlies, drawing attention to his defensive potential in the NBA.
During the 2024 summer league, Pippen nearly averaged a double-double, scoring 21.5 points and dishing out 8.7 assists on a 5-1 Grizzlies bunch. His 3.3 takeaways per contest also stood out in the Las Vegas event.
In four preseason games with Memphis, the two-time First-team All-SEC member notched 10.2 points, handed out 4.5 assists, and generated two turnovers per contest.
With Pippen earning a standard NBA contract ahead of the 2024-25 regular season, the Grizzlies will have a solid backup point guard for superstar Ja Morant at their disposal.
More NBA: Is Bronny James ready for the NBA? Insiders weigh in on his future with the Lakers
