Jordan Goodwin serves as threat for fellow Grizzlies guard's return: Reporter

As a result of their injury woes, the Memphis Grizzlies have seen a slew of players log minutes within their rotation throughout 2023-24. While many have come and gone, some have established themselves as legitimate long-term options for the franchise, with two players already receiving multi-year contracts for their performances in Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson.

Interestingly enough, they may not be the only ones to have secured a future in the 38103, as there are a few other players who could be heading in the same direction, with perhaps the most interesting name being Scotty Pippen Jr.

Agreeing to a two-way deal with the Grizzlies back in mid-January, the sophomore guard has produced admirably throughout his tenure thus far, providing a true backup point guard talent that, in many ways, has been reminiscent of beloved former guard, Tyus Jones.

With his play, many have gone on to argue that Pippen has earned the right to stay with the club beyond the conclusion of his current pact, and his averages of 12.1 points and 4.6 assists on 50.0 percent shooting from the floor and 47.2 percent shooting from distance over the last 16 games have only strengthened his claim.

However, beat reporter Damichael Cole seems to believe that the recent surge of Jordan Goodwin could serve as a roadblock in the 23-year-old's search for a long-term stay in Memphis, as he recently noted that though the odds are Pippen has the best odds of seeing his contract being converted to a standard deal, the front office could wind up deciding between the two of them.

Grizzlies could choose between Scotty Pippen Jr., Jordan Goodwin

"Jordan Goodwin's role is starting to be defined. He's starting to get more comfortable. Taylor Jenkins even talked about it a couple of days ago. There's a conversation to be had : Jordan Goodwin or Scotty Pippen Jr.? If you're going for the more natural point guard, I think Scotty Pippen is your guy. He's the one who if you want to have someone come in, maybe play some rotation minutes at the point guard position when a couple of guys are down... Scotty Pippen Jr. is the guy I would lean to in that scenario. But there's something about that 14 or 15 man being an energy guy. When the team's lacking that energy, the coach has that one...to go to on the bench and say 'Go in the game, go shift the energy. These guys aren't playing hard enough. I know I won't have that problem with you.' [There's] something about having that type of guy [and] Jordan Goodwin is that type of guy."

- Damichael Cole

Cole would continue on to note that while he still leans toward it being a better move for the Grizzlies to lean toward re-upping with Pippen, Goodwin is the "a tough dude" who will hustle and do the little things during every single minute he steps foot on the hardwood.

As fans are likely aware, this latter attribute is something Grint City has come to adore most of all throughout their 23 years in Memphis.

With just four games remaining on the regular season docket, both players will likely be looking to close out their first seasons with the Grizzlies strong in an effort to prove their worth moving forward.