Grizzlies sign son of six-time NBA champion to multi-year contract

The Memphis Grizzlies have seen enough of a steady, multi-dimensional contributor.

On Tuesday, the franchise delivered positive news to the son of a six-time NBA champion.

“The Memphis Grizzlies are signing two-way guard Scotty Pippen Jr. to a standard multi-year NBA contract,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday. “Pippen had an impressive finish to the 2023-24 season and a strong NBA Summer League and preseason. “Now completes a guaranteed new deal.”

Last year with the Grizzlies, Pippen averaged 12.9 points and 4.7 assists.

After a disappointing 2022 draft, the 6-foot-2 guard signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The son of Hall of Fame forward Scottie Pippen appeared in just six games for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season but was given an Exhibit 10 contract with the organization in the offseason.

Although he was released by Los Angeles last October, Pippen spent time with the South Bay Lakers as a second-year pro. Pippen secured a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in January, and the Vanderbilt product did not disappoint.

As the starter for most of his 2023-24 season in Memphis, Pippen emphasized playing efficient basketball on offense. He shot 49.3% from the field and 41.7% from three, resisting the urge to force the issue as he controlled the rock. He also recorded 1.7 steals last season with the Grizzlies, drawing attention to his defensive potential in the NBA.

During the 2024 Summer League, Pippen averaged nearly a double-double, scoring 21.5 points and providing 8.7 assists in a 5-1 Grizzlies victory. His 3.3 takeaways per contest also stood out at the Las Vegas event.

In four preseason games with Memphis, the two-time first-team All-SEC member scored 10.2 points, dished out 4.5 assists and generated two turnovers per game.

With Pippen receiving a regular NBA contract before the 2024-25 regular season, the Grizzlies have a solid backup point guard for superstar Ja Morant.

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