Scotty Pippen Jr.

Scotty Pippen Jr.'s Biography

Scotty Maurice Pippen Jr. was born on November 10, 2000, in Portland, Oregon, during the time his father, the famous NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. His mother, Larsa Pippen, is a well-known television personality. As Scotty Jr. entered this world, he stepped into an illustrious legacy left by his father. Growing up as their second child, Pippen Jr. inherited not only his father’s name but also the determination, skill, and a passion for basketball.

Behind the success of this rising star in the NBA, from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Vanderbilt Commodores, is a journey marked by diligence, commitment, and a constant pursuit to match the legacy set by his father. He spent his early life in the company of his siblings. From his father’s previous relationships, he was the junior to four older half-siblings: Antron, Sierra, Taylor, and Tyler. The family grew further over the years, with Scotty sharing his bond with three younger full siblings: Preston, Justin, and Sophia.

Scotty’s early education took place at Pine Crest School in Florida from kindergarten to tenth grade. It was here that he first expressed his prowess in basketball, giving his initial post-game interview as a sophomore. Ahead of his junior year, Scotty’s family relocated to Los Angeles. The move brought about a change in his school, leading him to attend Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, known for its competitive basketball team.

At Sierra Canyon, Pippen flourished on the court. His talent shone alongside future NBA players such as Marvin Bagley III, Kenyon Martin Jr., and Cassius Stanley. As a senior, he showed promise with an average of 16.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. His contributions led his team to win the California Interscholastic Federation Open Division state title. Outside of school, Pippen competed for the Oakland Soldiers on the Amateur Athletic Union circuit.

Soon after, Pippen made his commitment to play college basketball for Vanderbilt, choosing it over offers from Washington State, San Francisco, Colorado State, UC Santa Barbara, and Hofstra. During his freshman season in 2019, he scored a high of 21 points in a game against Austin Peay, earned the honors of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman Team, and paved the way to a promising sophomore year.

As Pippen settled into his role as the team’s lead player, he continued to perform exceptionally, achieving multiple game highs and recording his first double-double. During a game in his junior year against Temple, Pippen made a crucial three-pointer to tie the game, further reinforcing his potential as a leading player.

In April 2022, Pippen decided to declare for the 2022 NBA draft, thereby relinquishing his chances for further collegiate eligibility. Although he went undrafted, Pippen went on to sign a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2022, and began playing for their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, eventually highlighting his skills in the 2022 NBA Summer League.

Over time, Pippen successfully transitioned to a standard contract and recorded his career-high assists in a commendable win over the Philadelphia 76ers. His success carried him to sign a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, cementing his place in the world of professional basketball and silencing any doubts about his capability to step into his father’s shoes. Pippen Jr., by standing tall in his own right, proves that though legacy may point you in a direction, it is ultimately individual grit and determination that leads to success.

Scotty’s familial ties to basketball extend beyond just his father. His cousin, Kavion Pippen, is also an active professional basketball player, underscoring that talent runs deep in the Pippen family.