It’s been about a month since the regular season began, and the Memphis Grizzlies still have not played a game at full strength. Ongoing injuries continue to limit the team’s ability to reach its highest potential, and overall energy levels appear to be lower. The 5-11 record isn’t much of a confidence booster, but there are a lot of positive developments that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The rookies have stepped up, Jock Landale has made his presence felt under the rim, and Santi Aldama seems to have found some rhythm again. Many of the Grizzlies’ losses have been winnable games, but they have struggled to generate the late-game energy needed to close them out.
Struggling to finish strong
This is a team that plays very well when they are able to control the tempo of the game and push the pace of their opponents. Against the Sacramento Kings, Memphis played fast, but they also did a great job at taking care of the basketball. They forced Sacramento to commit a lot of turnovers, then capitalized on those mistakes on the other end of the floor.
However, the Grizzlies have not been able to do this on a consistent basis so far this season. They’ve started several games with plenty of energy, but late-game execution in the 4th quarter has been a significant challenge. The slowdown is likely a result of fatigue, but falling short at the end of games is tough to process when a victory is well within reach.
In those late-game moments when energy levels start to dwindle, the Grizzlies are clearly feeling the absence of Scotty Pippen Jr. His motor that seemingly never ran out of gas last season had powered the Grizzlies very far, and this is something the team desperately needs right now.
The missing spark in Memphis
Scotty Pippen Jr. was arguably one of the most improved players on the entire Grizzlies roster this past season. Whether it was his defensive abilities, pace, 3-point shooting, or improved percentage at the free throw line, Pippen Jr.’s efforts did not go unnoticed in Memphis.
What’s just as impressive is his journey so far in the league. In July of 2022, Pippen Jr. signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent. Then, in October of 2023, the Lakers waived him, and he proceeded to sign a two-way contract with the Grizzlies in January of 2024. After playing very well for the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies and Pippen Jr. agreed to a multi-year deal in October of 2024, right before the regular season began.
On November 23rd, 2024, a little over a month after agreeing to the multi-year contract, Pippen Jr. had one of his best games in a Grizzlies uniform. In this game, which was ironically in Chicago against the Bulls (where his father’s name is hanging in the rafters), Pippen Jr. scored a career-high 30-point double-double. Scotty’s big night ultimately helped propel the Grizzlies to a 142-131 victory. His presence on the court last year was certainly impactful, so many expect him to pick up right where he left off, once he has fully recovered from his injury.
When will Pippen Jr. return?
In October, Pippen Jr. underwent a procedure to correct a toe injury that was sustained in the preseason. He was scheduled to be reevaluated in 12 weeks, meaning he could potentially return around mid-January. If he returns to form, he should provide an immediate boost to a team that needs his steadiness and spark.