Scotty Pippen Jr.'s leadership, maturity, and understanding of the game unveiled

How can a 6"1 guard who is not particularly athletic or strong establish himself in the NBA?

Scotty Pippen Jr. has found a way.

Since arriving in Memphis in mid-last season, Pippen has demonstrated that he's got what it takes to succeed in the league, even without being a high leaper or a lock-down defender.

Pippen, who led the Grizzlies to the Las Vegas Summer League championship game and was selected to First-Team All-NBA Summer League, has gained his coaches' trust by being a coach on the floor.

A Mic' Up clip from the Grizzlies' victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in the Las Vegas Summer League semifinals showcases Pippen's court awareness and vocal leadership.

Basketball wisdom is in his genes

No one should be surprised that Pippen Jr. is a smart basketball player, considering who his father is. Scottie Pippen, aka MJ's partner in crime, was one of the smartest players to ever play the game.

As a member of the Chicago Bulls six NBA championship teams, Pippen was always vocal leader on the court, guiding the team's offense and defense, making sure his teammates know he's got their back.

Now, Pippen the father is seeing his son do the same. In a 2023 episode of the show 'Like Father, Like Son' ( produced by People ), he talked about the connection between him, his son, and the game they both love.

"I think he is a all-around player. He has a very good understanding of the game," the legendary partner of Micheal Jordan said.

"The way i wanted him to appreciate the game is to learn the game from a whole and see it from the perspective of being a great player but also a great teammate," Pippen the father added.

Fighting for minutes in crowded guard position

Pippen Jr. has made a name for himself, beyond being the son of Scottie. But he will have to fight hard to get minutes in the upcoming season.

The Grizzlies' backcourt is crowded with talented players. Beyond the starters Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, and Desmond Bane, Memphis has a diverse collection of guards that includes sharpshooter Luke Kennard and the up-and-coming Vince Williams Jr.

Pippen Jr., who shot an impressive 41% from three-point range last season, is already a reliable shooter. If he keeps displaying the kind of leadership and game management skills he has shown in recent months, he can be the Grizzlies’ X-factor as they attempt to climb the playoff ladder to places that Pippen the father knows very well.

Related: Zach Edey’s Three-Word Message After Grizzlies Summer League Debut