Scotty Maurice Pippen Jr., born on November 10, 2000, is a dynamic American professional basketball player currently showcasing his skills as a point guard for the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 185 pounds, Pippen’s journey from his early life to his current professional career is one marked by notable achievements.
Early Life and High School Career
Born in Portland, Oregon, while his father, NBA legend Scottie Pippen, played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Scotty Pippen Jr. grew up in a basketball-centric environment. He has four older half-siblings from his father’s previous relationships, with Antron and Tyler Pippen sadly no longer with us. His family dynamics changed with his father’s relationship with Larsa Pippen, resulting in three younger siblings: Preston, Justin, and Sophia.
Pippen’s educational journey took him from Pine Crest School in Florida to Sierra Canyon School in California for his junior and senior years. At Sierra Canyon, he played alongside future NBA talents like Marvin Bagley III, Kenyon Martin Jr., and Cassius Stanley. During his senior year, Pippen showcased his skills, averaging 16.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game, leading his team to victory in the California Interscholastic Federation Open Division state title.
College Career
Opting to play college basketball at Vanderbilt, Pippen made an impact from his freshman year. Notably, on November 20, 2019, he scored a season-high 21 points in a decisive win over Austin Peay. His freshman campaign earned him SEC All-Freshman Team honors with an average of 12 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Pippen took on a more prominent role in his sophomore season, averaging an impressive 20.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His notable performances included a 30-point game against Alcorn State and a double-double with 18 points and 12 assists against Mississippi State. Despite declaring for the 2021 NBA draft, Pippen returned for his junior season, delivering consistently impressive numbers, securing a spot on the First Team All-SEC with averages of 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game.
Professional Career
Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Pippen signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 1, 2022, splitting his time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. His Summer League debut showcased his potential with fourteen points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block in a dominant win over the Miami Heat. Named to the G League’s Next Up Game for the 2022–23 season, Pippen continued to make strides in his professional journey.
After re-signing with the Lakers in September 2023, Pippen’s journey took a turn as he was waived on October 16, only to rejoin the South Bay Lakers twelve days later. On January 16, 2024, he signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, marking the next chapter in his professional career.
Career Statistics
Pippen’s statistics reflect his evolution as a player, with notable contributions in college and the professional arena. In his six-game stint with the L.A. Lakers during the 2022–23 season, he showcased versatility with an average of 2.3 points per game.
Personal Life
Scotty Pippen Jr.’s family background is steeped in basketball history. His father, Scottie Pippen, a Hall of Famer, won six NBA championships during his illustrious 17-year career. His mother, Larsa Pippen, is a well-known media personality featured on The Real Housewives of Miami and has Lebanese and Syrian-Assyrian heritage.
Intriguingly, Pippen is also related to Kavion Pippen, an American professional basketball player, and his cousin. This familial connection adds another layer to his basketball legacy.
Scotty Pippen Jr.’s journey from his early days in Portland to his current status as a promising professional player exemplifies his dedication and talent, establishing him as a notable figure in basketball.
