Scotty Pippen Jr. is quietly becoming the Grizzlies' most underrated player

Pippen Jr. has proven himself to be a reliable option in the Grizzlies' rotation.
April 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) being guarded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Western Conference First Round
April 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) being guarded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Western Conference First Round | William Purnell/GettyImages

The Memphis Grizzlies have recently made significant changes to the roster following a disappointing playoff exit against the eventual champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Grizzlies traded away Desmond Bane and Jay Huff while adding players such as Ty Jerome, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Jock Landale via trade or free agency. They are also bringing in a promising draft class that includes Cedric Coward, Javon Small, and Jahmai Mashack.

The Grizzlies can still remain competitive in a difficult Western Conference despite retooling their roster. Adding proven veterans such as Ty Jerome and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will make an immediate impact in terms of on-court production and leadership. It is also expected that young players such as Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson II will make significant leaps. However, a key reason for optimism that isn't being discussed enough is Scotty Pippen Jr.'s continued emergence.

Scotty Pippen Jr. continues to fly under the radar

Recently, Evan Sidery posted a tweet about the over/under win total and projected rotation for the Grizzlies this upcoming season. While most of those names are expected to make an impact on the regular season rotation, there was a key omission: Scotty Pippen Jr.

In an injury-riddled 2023-24 season for the Grizzlies, Scotty Pippen Jr. played in 21 games (including 16 starts) and capitalized on his opportunities, averaging 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, while also adding 1.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. A key question for Pippen Jr. heading into last season was if he could continue to impact winning on a full-strength Grizzlies team.

Ultimately, Pippen Jr. eased those concerns by being reliable offensively, averaging 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game on solid 48.0/39.7/71.3 shooting splits. He also added 1.3 steals and 0.4 blocks per game and was one of the best perimeter defenders on the team. Despite playing fewer minutes per game this past season, Pippen Jr. was one of the Grizzlies' most impactful players and contributed 4.7 win shares, the 5th highest on the team.

Scotty Pippen Jr. has proven over multiple seasons to be a solid regular season player, but his playoff performance against the Thunder showed his long-term potential. Despite the Grizzlies being swept by the Thunder, there is a strong argument to be made that Pippen Jr. was the second-best player for the Grizzlies in the series as he averaged 18.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while also adding 1.3 stocks (blocks and steals) against the Thunder.

It is important to consider that Pippen Jr. was in an expanded role and facing a historically great Thunder defense. The Grizzlies were overmatched in depth and eventually lost Ja Morant during Game 3, but it did not prevent Pippen Jr. from scoring 28 points in Game 3 and 30 points in Game 4. Pippen Jr. showed impressive poise in difficult circumstances and should only continue to improve.

Not only is Scotty Pippen Jr. another two-way contract success story for the Grizzlies, but he is also one of the most reliable players on the current Grizzlies roster. There are multiple talented backcourt players in Memphis, but Scotty Pippen Jr. should not be overlooked going into next season.