The Memphis Grizzlies are signing two-way guard Scotty Pippen Jr. to a typical, multi-year contract, sources knowledgeable ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday. Memphis reached an settlement with Pippen’s representatives, Klutch Sports activities CEO Wealthy Paul and agent Shy Saee.
Pippen, who turns 24 on Nov. 10, had a good NBA summer season league outing for the Grizzlies after ending final season with the franchise. By way of 4 preseason video games this month, the 6-foot-1 guard has averaged 10.3 factors, 2.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 20.5 minutes per contest.
The @memgrizz as we speak introduced the staff signed Scotty Pippen Jr. to a multi-year contract. pic.twitter.com/lpuIGo6NQ8
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) October 15, 2024
Pippen went undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2022 and joined the Los Angeles Lakers, spending many of the 2022-23 season with the G League South Bay Lakers. He rejoined South Bay forward of the 2023-24 season previous to signing a two-way contract with the Grizzlies in January.
In 21 video games (16 begins) with the Grizzlies in the course of the 2023-24 season, Pippen averaged profession highs of 12.9 factors, 3.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 25.1 minutes per contest whereas capturing profession bests of 49.3% from the ground, 41.7% from 3-point vary, and 74.5% on the free throw line.
Scotty Pippen Jr. will function a backup level guard to Ja Morant on the Memphis Grizzlies
With the brand new deal, Pippen formally turns into the Grizzlies’ backup level guard to Ja Morant. After signing Pippen, the Grizzlies have one open roster spot remaining.
Pippen, the son of NBA Corridor of Famer and Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen, recorded profession highs of 28 factors and 10 assists with Memphis final season.
In September, Derrick Rose introduced his retirement from the NBA after the veteran guard appeared in 24 video games for Memphis in 2023-24. Rose’s exit paves the way in which for Pippen to safe a daily roster spot.
Until Ja Morant and different veterans undergo main accidents once more, Pippen in all probability gained’t see the 25 minutes or so per recreation he performed final season. He’s anticipated to fill a smaller reserve function beneath coach Taylor Jenkins.
The Grizzlies completed 27-55 and didn’t make the playoffs for the primary time since 2020, with Morant and different begins injured for many of the season. Memphis has additionally not superior to the convention semifinals since 2022.
