Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is stepping into the 2025-26 NBA season full of hope. At Los Angeles International Airport, he attended TMZ Sports and said, “This year is going to be big for me.”
At 24, the son of Chicago Bulls icon Scottie Pippen has made his own mark in the NBA. He has moved past the early “nepo baby” tag to show he fits in the league. Starting last season with a two-way deal, Pippen Jr. got a full team spot and earned 79 appearences. He managed to obtain an average of 9.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, while shooting just under 40% from three-point range.
His playoff games against the Oklahoma City Thunder lifted his value. Even though Memphis was out early, Pippen Jr. scored 18.3 points on average, with 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, earning nods for his calmness in tough games. NBA experts state his way to make shots and set up plays made him a top choice in the Grizzlies’ lockerroom.
More opportunities this year
This season, the Grizzlies will miss Desmond Bane, who left in the trade period, leaving a big gap in the scoring position. Coach Tuomas Iisalo, in his first full year, hints that Pippen Jr. will take on more in attack. This could mean more time on court, expanded playmaking duties, and a big shot to be a consistent scorer of double digits.
Ex-NBA player and TV analyst Kendrick Perkins said on ESPN, “Scotty Pippen Jr. isn’t just playing off his last name anymore-he’s earned his spot. I expect him to be one of the biggest surprises in the West this year.”
Motivation alongside mindset, key to success
Pippen Jr.’s summer was all about enhancing his shooting skills, speeding up his side moves in defense, and bulking up for the upcoming long season. “They’re sleeping on us,” he said about the Grizzlies’ odds, showing his drive as he heads into training.
While his famous dad made history with Michael Jordan in the Bulls‘ legendary years, Pippen Jr. wants to make his own path in the NBA, one marked by sacrifice, skill-set, and leadership. If he keeps rising on this level, this could be the year he turns from a hopeful young guard into a real starter and a key piece for Memphis.
The Grizzlies start their preseason in early October, but in Memphis, the talk about Pippen Jr. has already started. Fans want to see if his hope and hard work turn into a standout year, one that could push the team far in the playoffs.
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