Scottie Pippen was one of the NBA‘s most outstanding players for nearly two decades, shining with the Chicago Bulls and winning six championships during his time with the team. Now, the responsibility of defending the family name on the court falls to his son, Scotty, who is in his second season with the Memphis Grizzlies. The young guard spoke candidly about his own playing style and how it compares to that of his iconic father.
“Who is your dream NBA player to play against? Someone not currently in the league, maybe a guy who played a while ago and you’ve always wanted to play against?” Pippen Jr. was asked in a recent interview with Sloane Knows. “My dad,” Scotty replied without hesitation.
“OK. You and your dad, 1v1. First to 11, what would the score be?” the host proposed. “I’ll say probably 11-9, him,” the Grizzlies player considered. “I’ll give him 11-9. It’s gonna be close. It’s gonna be a hard-fought game, but I’ll say 11-9.” And when asked if his dad would ever let him win, he was clear: “Hell, no. My dad is too competitive, he’ll never let me win.”
Scotty also elaborated on the comparison between their on-court characteristics. “I feel his height gives him an advantage,” Pippen clarified. “I’m a little quicker, though. I feel, offensively, I’m better than him. I don’t know, I think you gotta put that on 2K and see what they do, I guess.”
Former Chicago Bull Scottie Pippen.
Pippen Jr. is finding his place in the NBA
At 24, Scotty Pippen Jr. is having his most promising season in the NBA. He had limited opportunities during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers between 2022 and 2023, where he frequently alternated appearances with the G-League affiliate South Bay. Last season, he joined the Memphis Grizzlies and has steadily gained more prominence.
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This campaign, Pippen Jr. has appeared in 64 of the Grizzlies’ 65 games, averaging 20.1 minutes per contest. In those appearances, Scotty has recorded 9.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. While he plays a secondary role on the team, he has contributed to the Grizzlies‘ strong performance, as the team is currently ranked fourth in the Western Conference with a 41-24 record.
Scottie Pippen’s legacy
While Scotty’s statistics this season demonstrate notable growth, they are still far from matching the numbers put up by his father. Scottie Pippen is widely regarded as one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history. He was a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, whose No. 33 jersey was retired in honor of his contributions to the team, and is also a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
One of Pippen’s defining strengths throughout his career was his exceptional defense, which earned praise from legends like Isiah Thomas and Paul Pierce. Therefore, it’s no surprise that his son highlights offensive play as the area in which he feels he has surpassed his father. Over the course of his career, Scottie Pippen averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
