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Scotty Pippen Jr. Rumors
Scotty Pippen Jr: I feel like the name might have hurt me more than it helped me
"So coming up and sort of growing up, was that difficult? Like how were you able to sort of find your own lane and stick to that?" Scotty Pippen Jr: "Yeah, I think it's difficult just because people just put, you know, a perspective on you on how they think you move and how they think you act just because of your dad. You know, I feel like we're seeing it with Deion Sanders and his son and then, you know, LeBron and Bronnie. Um, for me, I feel like it was tough just because I feel like I wasn't given fair treatment. People kind of just overlooked me because of my dad. I feel like the name might have hurt me more than it helped me sometimes, and it's unfair for us, but at the end of the day, I feel like we're all — the three, you know, kids you named — are doing well."
Scotty Pippen Jr: Like I said, I've never seen, like, you know, that era of play. So, for me to say MJ — growing up, I always said MJ. So for me to say MJ, it's just kind of on nostalgia. I've never really seen him play, so I feel like I'm not giving fair judgment to the conversation. And then for LeBron, that's someone I play with. So I've seen him. I've grown up watching him. But also, I was a Kobe fan. I loved Kobe growing up. So I would say all three of those are my GOATs: Kobe, LeBron, and MJ."
Scotty Pippen Jr. on Grizzlies’ head coaching situation: I've been told it's still up in the air
You've got a new coach for the final nine, ten days of the season. Has there been any word? Is he expected to be the permanent coach when we start things off next season?" Scotty Pippen Jr: "I've been told it's still up in the air, so I'm not sure. I don't want to speak too much about it, but you know, if he's the guy, I definitely liked him a lot. He was great for me. He took over the job kind of in a hard spot, but when he got the job, I feel like my confidence went through the roof. My minutes started going up. I feel like I was more consistent with him taking the job. So, you know, hopefully he's the guy, but I haven't been told clearly if they made a decision yet."
Scotty Pippen Jr. on Ja Morant's injury impact: "I think we all felt pretty well. You know, we were winning at home. Obviously, in the playoffs, I feel like home court advantage is one of the biggest things. In OKC, obviously, we had a 50-point loss — that was crazy. But second game, we came and got better. The third game, we were up, Ja goes down. And then even the fourth game, we still competed. So it could go either way, I feel like, if he doesn’t go out."
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Law Murray: Whoever gets the Grizzlies Tuesday are getting a rested Grizzlies Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr, Zach Edey, Nuke Kennard, Santi Aldama, Scotty Pippen Jr all doubtful for Sunday
Drew Hill: A few Grizzlies players spoke before the game today. Scotty Pippen Jr., Lamar Stevens and GG Jackson all said they were surprised by the Taylor Jenkins news. They found out the same time as everyone else. GG Jackson said he was also surprised by his G League assignment last week.
Scotty Pippen Jr on father sitting courtside for his games: I think it's kind of whatever now
Your dad, Scottie Pippen, was sitting courtside. Do you have an extra gear on the court when you see him or is it kind of like whatever? Scotty Pippen Jr: I think it’s kind of like whatever. He’s been to a lot of games at this point. It’s cool just to see like finally I’m at this level. Him being able to come to my game and support me, whether it be LA, whether it be Memphis or somewhere on the road. But at this point, I’m kind of just used to it.
With coach Taylor Jenkins, what’s the most important piece of advice he’s told you in terms of staying ready? Scotty Pippen Jr: I’m just continuing to keep coming in and playing hard. Whether that be picking up defensively, being disruptive full-court, pushing the pace on offense. My role has changed a lot this year, starting, coming off the bench, and out of the rotation, so I was always being ready. I was just going out there playing hard.
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When Ja Morant isn’t going to be playing, and you know you will get the starting nod, does your mindset change knowing you will be playing more minutes? Scotty Pippen Jr: I feel like yes, I’m about to be a little bit more aggressive, but I just feel like every game I kind of approach it the same way. Whatever the team needs in me, I try to do it. So, Ja’s not out there, I know we’re missing a piece, so I try to not just fulfill that piece, but I try to do all I can just to help the team win.
Scotty Pippen: So, this next question is the one I’m most excited to ask. Your dad spells his name S-C-O-T-T-I-E, and you spell your name S-C-O-T-T-Y, but you’re Scotty Pippen Jr. I’m very confused. Please explain what’s going on with the different spellings. To be honest, I’m still kind of confused about it too. It makes no sense. I don’t know why my parents did that. But basically, my dad’s name is with a ‘Y,’ but for some reason, he writes it with an ‘IE’ on everything—except his actual documents. Yeah, but like, he switches it up. Sometimes he’ll go somewhere and write it with a ‘Y.’ Somewhere else, he’ll write it with ‘IE.’ So I don’t know. I feel like I should have probably been with ‘IE’ since he wanted to change his, but yeah. I don’t know why—it’s a little confusing.
Scotty Pippen Jr: I talk to my father before and after every game
Pippen's breakout performance at the United Center against the Chicago Bulls was not just a personal milestone but also a meaningful family moment. Scoring a career-high 30 points and dishing out 10 assists in the same arena where his father, Scottie Pippen, established his Hall of Fame career added extra weight to the achievement. His father's influence extends beyond legacy – it is a constant source of mentorship. Pippen detailed how his father remains a critical sounding board throughout his NBA journey. “He's a resource I can always rely on,” Pippen said. “After every game, I talk to him, and before every game, too. He gives me feedback and advice. It's good to have that extra set of eyes and a different voice.”
In 35 games this season, Pippen Jr. has averaged 10.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. His production has seen a notable jump in games without Morant, averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds over 13 contests. His ability to adjust to an expanded role has been a key reason Memphis has stayed afloat, boasting a 23-12 record and holding second place in the Western Conference. “I would say it's the trust the players and the coaches have in me,” Pippen told RG. “They've instilled confidence in me just the way I am. As soon as I came here, they trusted me to play my game and build around that.”
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