Scotty Pippen Jr. and His Historic NBA Journey: Following in His Legendary Father's Footsteps (2024 Update)
In a season packed with high expectations, Scotty Pippen Jr. is gaining momentum as he carves out a name of his own in the NBA, playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. While comparisons to his father, Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, are unavoidable, the young guard has stepped out from the shadow and made history in his own right. Scotty and his father recently achieved a monumental milestone, becoming the first father-son duo in NBA history to each record a triple-double.
From G League Frustrations to NBA Spotlight
Scotty Pippen Jr.'s journey to the NBA was anything but smooth. After spending a considerable amount of time in the G League, where he acclaimed much praise but harbored frustration for being overlooked by NBA teams, he finally broke through. Now, just two seasons into his professional career, he’s proving that perseverance pays off.
At 23 years old, Pippen Jr. had grown tired of dominating the G League. His patience was rewarded when he got the opportunity with the Memphis Grizzlies. Early in the 2024 season, Pippen Jr. sealed his first triple-double in a decisive 128-104 win over the Washington Wizards on November 8th, following in the footsteps of his illustrious father, Scottie, who recorded 17 triple-doubles throughout his Hall of Fame career.[1] The father-son duo earned their place in NBA history, an emotional moment for both.
A Milestone for the Father-Son Duo
Scottie Pippen, known as one of the best two-way players in NBA history, spent much of his career leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships alongside Michael Jordan. While Scotty Pippen Jr. was raised surrounded by basketball greatness, his journey stood apart—facing unique challenges that shaped his competitive drive and unique playing style.
The Pippen name was once again on everyone's lips when, on November 8th, Scotty Jr. mirrored his father’s playmaking ability by recording his first triple-double: 10 points, 10 assists, and 11 rebounds in the Grizzlies’ dominant victory. This achievement wasn't just a personal victory for the young guard, but a historical one, marking the first time a father-son pair in NBA history recorded triple-doubles. The weight of the moment was evident, with Scotty Jr. sharing the emotional milestone with his father, who continues to support him both as a mentor and a father.[2]
Signing His Multi-Year Deal and the Road Ahead
Pippen Jr.’s growth throughout the season hasn't gone unnoticed. Earlier this month, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that Scotty had been signed to a standard, multi-year NBA contract, elevating him from a two-way player to a permanent fixture on the Grizzlies’ roster. Known for his sharp instincts on the floor and versatility, Pippen has found his footing in Memphis as both a facilitator and scorer.
During the Grizzlies' November 9th, 2024 match against the Portland Trail Blazers, Pippen Jr. further demonstrated his value. In just 21 minutes off the bench, Pippen contributed 17 points, including an impressive shooting display hitting 6-8 from the field, 2-3 from beyond the arc, and 3-4 from the line.[3] This not only helped secure the dominant 134-89 victory but showed the league that Pippen Jr.'s impact is only growing.
Stepping into His Own Legacy
For Memphis Grizzlies supporters, the rise of Scotty Pippen Jr. is a thrilling moment, as the team is deepening its roster with young, talented players hungry for success. Pippen’s skillset—off-the-dribble shooting, smooth passing, and aggressive defense—proves that he's more than just “Scottie Pippen's son,” but rather an exciting prospect with a dynamic and distinct NBA future.
Though his father’s Hall of Fame career casts a long shadow, Scotty Pippen Jr. is embracing his journey every step of the way. His 2024 season marks a pivotal moment as he solidifies his place in both NBA history and Memphis' plans. With his first major contract in hand and the support of both his father and the Grizzlies' fan base, it's clear that Scotty’s story is just beginning—and basketball enthusiasts everywhere will be watching.
For more details on his statistics, contract, and highlights, you can always check out his Basketball Reference profile and follow the Memphis Grizzlies updates on their official platform on ESPN.