With two open roster positions remaining after the retirement of Derrick Rose a couple of days before training camp, the Grizzlies' biggest concern was the backup point guard position. After playing four preseason games, the Grizzlies felt they saw enough from two-way point guard, Scotty Pippen Jr., to sign him to a standard contract, according to Shams Charania.
The Memphis Grizzlies are signing two-way guard Scotty Pippen Jr. on a standard multiyear NBA contract, sources tell ESPN. Pippen had an impressive finish to 2023-24 and a strong NBA Summer League and preseason. Now locks in a guaranteed new deal. pic.twitter.com/MuA3HsliKs
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 15, 2024
With this signing, the Grizzlies have confirmed that Scotty Pippen Jr. will likely begin the season as the backup point guard to Ja Morant. Although Pippen Jr. has had his struggles during the preseason, his value can't be understated in how he has performed since he joined the team on a two-way contract in January.
After averaging 12.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals on 49.3% shooting from the field, including 41.7% from three in 21 games (16 starts) last season, Scotty Pippen Jr. made the NBA 2K25 All-Summer League First Team. During his Summer League run that ended with the Grizzlies losing in the championship game, Pippen Jr. averaged 21.5 points, 8.7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3.3 steals on 46.1% shooting.
However, after averaging 2.7 turnovers last season and 2.3 turnovers in the Summer League, Pippen Jr. has averaged 3.5 turnovers in the Grizzlies' four preseason games. It's a small sample size compared to what he contributed in live NBA game action last season so the Grizzlies are banking on the player that showed potential in his late-season stint.
As the Grizzlies gear up for the season opener against the Utah Jazz next Wednesday, expect Scotty Pippen Jr. to be the point guard off the bench when Ja Morant needs rest. The team still could explore dividing minutes between Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane as the primary ball handlers behind Morant, but they can also do that with Pippen Jr. on the court as the new fast-paced offense allows anyone to push the pace.
Pippen Jr. provides a different type of backup point guard than the team is used to as he is more of a score-first guard, but he brings the energy required as a bench player that can help either change or increase the team's momentum. His defensive acumen will be highly appreciated as he rarely gets beat by his man and is very aggressive at the point of attack.
His fouls may be of concern, but that's the least of the team's concerns for a bench player who won't be on the court in a late-game situation anyway. The Grizzlies have officially addressed their backup point guard position and have one remaining roster spot.