"Why not": Scotty Pippen Jr. says Jaren Jackson Jr. should be an All-Star,  thriving with the Grizzlies, impact, and more (EXCLUSIVE)

Scotty Pippen Jr.’s path to the Memphis Grizzlies has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted in 2022, Pippen began his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, splitting time between their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, and the NBA roster.

Two years later, Pippen has found a home in Memphis, where he is embracing a key role on a thriving team with its unique approach.

Focusing on Growth and Enjoying the Process

In his first full NBA season, Pippen has embraced the challenges and opportunities of playing a consistent role with the Grizzlies. Averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 39 games, he has prioritized developing his game and meeting the team's demands.

“This is my first full season in the NBA, so just adjusting to it and being consistent with that,” Pippen told Sportskeeda. “Just continuing to grow in my role whenever you ask me on the court. Be consistent and just do whatever the coaches are asking of me.”

Adapting to the NBA’s intensity, especially with frequent lineup changes, has taught Pippen the importance of rhythm and readiness. He has embraced the need to stay mentally prepared and physically sharp.

“I would say like being consistent and just finding your rhythm. Those two main things. You know, a lot of games are just guys in and out the rotation, just being consistent, finding your rhythm, just always being ready,” he shared with Sportskeeda.

Despite the adjustments, Pippen has embraced the journey, crediting the coaching staff’s trust as a key to his confidence. Their belief in him has allowed him to play freely, focus on growth, and build strong connections with his teammates, making his first complete NBA season a rewarding one.

“I’m just having fun. You know, the coaches believe in me, they trust in me, and just having fun playing,” he added to Sportskeeda.

Adjusting to a Low Pick-and-Roll Offense

The Grizzlies have adopted a highly unconventional system. Pick-and-roll ball handler plays account for just 7.6% of their offensive play types this season—by far the lowest rate in the league. For comparison, the Denver Nuggets, the second-lowest team in this category, use such plays in 11.7% of their offense.

This shift presented an adjustment for Pippen after growing up relying heavily on the pick-and-roll in his game. The Grizzlies were diligent about using the offseason, training camp, and preseason to make this adjustment.

“Growing up and playing throughout my career, always used pick and roll, so it’s a little bit different,” Pippen explained to Sportskeeda. “But you know, credit to the coaches and the players. I feel like we had a good summer, a good preseason that is integrating that in, and I think it's been helping us a lot.”

When asked which coaches have helped him adapt to the Grizzlies' changing style of offense, Pippen quickly named assistants Noah LaRoche and Tuomas Lisalo.

“I would say Coach Noah and Coach Tuomas, those are probably the two main ones, but pretty much all the coaches have been talking about it a lot,” he stated to Sportskeeda.

The system emphasizes movement and off-ball activity, requiring players to adapt to a fast-paced and versatile offense. Pippen noted that this approach keeps everyone engaged and has enabled the team's offense to stay effective whether its top scorers are available to play or are sidelined due to injury.

“Yeah, because I think, you know, when you have guys that are just on the ball, it feels like everyone's still a part of the offense, just because we're all moving around them and trying to give those guys space and just get in the windows for them to pass the ball, get open for them too,” he explained to Sportskeeda.

Scotty Pippen Jr. Endorses Jaren Jackson Jr. for All-Star

In a season that Ja Morant has dealt with injuries, the Grizzlies have heavily leaned on Jaren Jackson Jr. to maintain consistency and set the tone. He has embraced a more prominent playmaking role, averaging 22.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, attack closeouts, and make smart reads in the half-court has elevated Memphis’ offensive versatility.

Defensively, Jackson remains one of the league's elite anchors. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has continued to dominate with his shot-blocking, rim protection, and ability to switch onto perimeter players. His defensive versatility allows Memphis to execute a variety of schemes, making him a vital piece in neutralizing opposing offenses.

“I feel like Jaren's one of the most unstoppable players in the league,” Pippen said to Sportskeeda. “So, credit to him. He's been working, you know, really hard, so he's been doing well.”

When asked about Jackson’s All-Star candidacy, Pippen offered his full support for his teammate to be one of the Grizzlies' representatives in San Francisco in February. He currently only ranks 10th in Western Conference frontcourt fan voting with 185,459 votes.

“Yeah, definitely," he told Sportskeeda. "I feel like he's, you know, he's been an All-Star before, and I feel like this year has been one of his best seasons, so why not?”

Grizzlies Thriving with Versatile Lineups

The Grizzlies’ ability to mix and match their rotations has added another layer of effectiveness to their system. Whether deploying a traditional big like Zach Edey or going smaller with Brandon Clarke, Memphis can adjust to various play styles.

“I think it just brings a different edge to the team,” Pippen told Sportskeeda. “You know, if we have a big out there, the offense moves a little bit differently, but also when we sub someone out for a smaller ball, I feel like we're even, this is effective, even more effective just because we can shoot the three more and then we can move around. Right. And then you throw Zach and then he's rebounding, he's relocating, he's getting dunked. So no matter who's out there, I feel like just the spacing and just the principles have helped us.”

Strong Potential Ahead

Pippen has embraced the challenges of his first entire NBA season, carving out a key role in the Grizzlies’ unconventional system. Focusing on consistency, development, and team success, he has grown into a steady contributor.

As Memphis continues to compete at the top of the Western Conference, Pippen’s adaptability and dedication ensure that he will remain a crucial part of the team’s success.