NBA: Scotty Pippen Jr. ready for bigger role with Grizzlies

Scotty Pippen Jr. #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Justin Casterline/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines —Scotty Pippen Jr. is ready to embrace a bigger role with the Memphis Grizzlies following Ja Morant’s departure, believing the opportunity is there for the team’s young core to step up.

Pippen Jr. will be one of the younger players on the team, with Cam Boozer ushering in a new era for Memphis.

Although Morant, the centerpiece of the Grizzlies for the past seven years, is already in Portland, Pippen Jr. still carries the learnings he got from the high-flying guard since he joined the team in 2023.

“I think Ja’s work ethic, the way he approaches the game. He’s one of the top point guards in the league, so being around him this past three seasons has been great for me developing as a player,” said Pippen Jr. on Thursday at NBA Store Philippines.

WATCH: Scotty Pippen Jr. on his visit to the Philippines, his father Scottie, and Memphis’ upcoming NBA season. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/nYP6aB1hAI

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) July 30, 2026

“Definitely it was tough to see him leave, but I think more opportunity for the rest of us there, especially for myself, I think to step into a bigger role. This summer, just being prepared for that and ready to get the season started,” he added.

The 25-year-old Pippen, who averaged 11.4 points, 4.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals in the past season, continues to work on his offensive game to help the Grizzlies, where he got his break since working his way from an undrafted player in 2022.

“I would say my offensive ability. I think in college, I was able to score a lot more than I do in the NBA. And I think this year, losing Ja and other guys, so I think just expanding my offensive game,” he said.

The second-generation NBA player said that you can’t count out the retooled Grizzlies, who have a lot of young players eager to prove themselves, just like him.

“I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people. We have a lot of young players, a lot of players that have worked on their games a lot. A lot of young guys with potential and I think we’re a super hungry team that’s going to shock a lot of people,” Pippen said.