Current Team and Professional Status
Scotty Pippen Jr. currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a guard who first joined the Grizzlies via the 2023 NBA draft and has remained with the franchise through the 2024–25 season. This status reflects verified roster information as of the most recent completed season and the ongoing contract situation for the 2024–25 campaign.
From Dad to Draft: Early Life and College Career
Family background and high school
Scotty Pippen Jr. is the son of former NBA defensive standout Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls. Growing up in a high-level basketball environment, he attended Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, where he developed a reputation as a skilled point guard and leader.
College at Vanderbilt
Pippen Jr. played college basketball for the Vanderbilt Commodores from 2019 to 2023. Over four seasons in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), he evolved into a steady floor general, noted for his playmaking, midrange shooting, and free-throw proficiency. His decision to enter the 2023 NBA draft after his senior season marked the conclusion of a successful collegiate career.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth, CA) | School athletics records/Recruiting profiles |
| College | Vanderbilt University (2019–2023) | NCAA eligibility/Team rosters |
| 2023 Draft Position | 48th overall pick (Memphis Grizzlies) | NBA draft records |
| 2023–24 Team | Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) | NBA team transactions/roster data |
2023 NBA Draft and Entry into the NBA
Selected with the 48th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2023 NBA draft, Pippen Jr. transitioned directly from Vanderbilt to the NBA. Draft projections had indicated him as a late-first or early-second round prospect, citing his court vision, shooting touch, and leadership qualities. His signing marked the beginning of his professional tenure with Memphis.
2023–24 Season Performance and Role
Playing style and contributions
During his rookie 2023–24 campaign, Pippen Jr. served as a backup point guard behind established veterans. He contributed in spot-up shooting, secondary ball-handling, and facilitating in transition. His minutes were situational, often tied to rest periods for starters and strategic matchups that favored his skill set.
Key statistics snapshot
In the 2023–24 regular season, he averaged modest but meaningful numbers typical of a young reserve guard. He appeared in all regular-season games, demonstrating reliability in limited roles and showing steady growth over the course of the year.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | ~4.0 | 2023–24 NBA regular season |
| Assists per game | ~1.7 | 2023–24 NBA regular season |
| Minutes per game | ~14 | 2023–24 NBA regular season |
| Free throw percentage | ~87% | 2023–24 NBA regular season |
Contract Details and Team Status
Rookie scale contract and team options
Pippen Jr. is under a standard rookie-scale contract structured through the collective bargaining agreement. The Memphis Grizzlies hold team options for subsequent seasons, allowing them to extend him as part of their long-term plans at the guard position. His current deal ties him to Memphis through at least the 2024–25 season, with evaluations ongoing based on development and roster needs.
What This Means in Context
Scotty Pippen Jr. represents a second-generation path shaped by both expectation and opportunity. His steady progression at Vanderbilt and careful integration into an NBA rotation reflect a modern development trajectory for late-first/early-second round picks. With the Grizzlies as his current team, he continues to build the case for a sustained role, using his skill set to contribute in meaningful minutes while projecting as a potential long-term option at the point guard spot.
Summary
Scotty Pippen Jr. currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, having arrived via the 2023 NBA draft after a four-year college career at Vanderbilt. His time in Memphis has been defined by steady development, a rookie-scale contract, and a role as a situational guard. As the 2024–25 season approaches, he remains with the franchise, continuing to build the foundation for a potential long-term NBA presence.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Scotty Pippen Jr. still with the Memphis Grizzlies?
Yes. As of the most recent completed season and through the 2024–25 campaign, Scotty Pippen Jr. remains a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. No verified reports indicate a trade or departure.
How did he get into the NBA?
He entered the NBA by declaring for the 2023 NBA draft and was selected 48th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies after completing his college career at Vanderbilt.
What does his contract look like?
He is under a rookie-scale contract with team options held by the Memphis Grizzlies. Exact financial details are not disclosed publicly, but the structure aligns with standard NBA rookie compensation for late-first/early-second round selections.
How does he fit on the team?
He functions as a backup point guard, contributing in spacing, playmaking, and transition. His role is situational, designed to build experience while providing the team with a reliable secondary ball-handler. While his father, Scottie Pippen, was a premier two-way forward and leader in the league, Scoty Jr. has pursued a guard-centric path, emphasizing shooting and playmaking within modern NBA spacing schemes. The comparison highlights generational differences in position and role rather than direct performance equivalence.