The Memphis Grizzlies may have lost one of their top scorers, but Scotty Pippen Jr has gained an opportunity. With Desmond Bane now playing for the Orlando Magic, Pippen is positioning himself as the next man up in the Grizzlies’ offense for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Despite outside assumptions that Memphis is taking a step back, Grizzlies fans feel the opposite. The former Vanderbilt standout has worked his way from a two-way contract to becoming a trusted rotational player. Now, he is aiming for much more.
Scotty Pippen Jr is Ready to be Memphis’ Next Star
Memphis Embraces a New Identity
The Grizzlies surprised many by trading Bane early in the offseason. In return, they received veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, guard Cole Anthony, and draft compensation. Anthony was later bought out and joined the Milwaukee Bucks.
The front office also made moves in the NBA Draft, selecting Washington State’s Cedric Coward in the first round and picking up Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack in the second. Memphis added Ty Jerome and Jock Landale in free agency and saw Luke Kennard and Jay Huff depart.
This new-look roster is built with more defensive depth and lineup versatility. While Bane’s shot creation and consistency will be hard to replace, the team appears confident in internal development.
How Pippen Believes Can Fill the Void
Pippen has been vocal about his offseason focus on improving his playmaking and shot creation. His confidence is not unwarranted. With Ja Morant expected to return at full health and new spacing on the floor, there will be more touches and open looks for Pippen to take advantage of.
Though Bane and Pippen have different skill sets, Pippen brings a high IQ, composure, and solid shooting from mid-range and deep. He also has an ability to read defensive coverages and make the right pass, a trait Memphis needs in its new offensive system.
He will not be expected to become a 20-point-per-game scorer overnight. However, if he can provide efficient shooting, occasional secondary ball handling, and solid perimeter defense, he could be a valuable piece in the rotation.
Defensive Help Will Ease Pressure
One of the challenges Pippen faced last season was having to guard bigger wings due to injuries and a lack of depth. With Coward, Mashack, and Caldwell-Pope now in the mix, Pippen will no longer have to take on that mismatch every night. That should give him more energy to focus on offensive responsibilities and allow him to be more efficient in half-court sets.
A Full Offseason for Tuomas Iisalo
Another key to Pippen’s potential breakout is the stability provided by head coach Tuomas Iisalo. After taking over late last season, Iisalo had little time to implement his system. Now, with a full summer, training camp, and preseason ahead, the Grizzlies can finally operate within a structured scheme.
Iisalo’s system emphasizes spacing, movement, and team defense. It is a style that fits Pippen’s strengths well.
The Grizzlies Are Not Rebuilding
Although Memphis lost a franchise cornerstone in Bane, the team is not in a full rebuild. Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr are still cornerstones, and the supporting cast has quietly improved.
If Pippen makes the leap the organization is hoping for, Memphis could stay in the Western Conference playoff hunt. He does not need to be Desmond Bane. He only needs to be the best version of himself.
And if his confidence translates into consistent production, the Grizzlies might be better off than many expect.
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