While Santi Aldama recovers, the Memphis Grizzlies are still looking for an X-factor to emerge from a shifting cast of bench alternatives. The second unit is under even greater strain since Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane have all lately missed a lot of time due to injury. However, Scotty Pippen Jr. has had the chance to demonstrate that the underappreciated ballhandler shouldn’t be left out when the NBA Playoffs start because of these absences.
The results are mixed at best this season. Pippen’s scrappy playmaking initially solidified him as Morant’s backup, but then a shooting slump hit. A rumored Memphis trade deadline pursuit of Lonzo Ball was not exactly a confidence boost, yet the 24-year-old has soldiered on. Though second on the team in regular season games played (67) through March 19, his size (6-foot-1) and his three-point shooting will be attacked in a seven-game series. Fortunately, there is one way to stay in the rotation according to Taylor Jenkins.
“I think fighting through screens is big.” Jenkins said, “We always talk about (Scotty Pippen Jr.) being smart and not getting caught on screens.” Although it doesn’t happen as frequently on the ball, he will occasionally get a foul. His discipline and understanding of how to be aggressive without fouling have undoubtedly improved, even though he may still be off the ball periodically.
Up the defensive aggressive while cutting down on fouls. Sounds easy right? Well, the Grizzlies might need a bit more as the postseason pressure ramps up. With playoff schemes likely to exploit his weaknesses, Pippen Jr. must stabilize a league-average jumper and prove capable of orchestrating the offense without turnovers to punish opposing second units.
