The Memphis Grizzlies have announced that Scotty Pippen Jr. will be assigned to their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. It is worth noting that he has not appeared this season as he continues his recovery from left toe surgery.
The move is intended to give him controlled competitive minutes and a chance to regain full basketball shape before returning to the NBA rotation. Pippen Jr. went undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2022 and worked his way onto the Grizzlies’ roster after a stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Pippen Jr. has played over 106 NBA regular-season games in his career. During this, he has averaged 10.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, shooting about 48.1 percent from the field. During the 2024-25 season, before his injury, he averaged 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while hitting 39.7 percent of his three-point attempts.
The 25-year-old has shown he can be a vital contributor when healthy, with his playmaking and defensive activity standing out in limited NBA minutes.
What This G-League Assignment Means for Pippen Jr.
Assigning Pippen Jr. to the Memphis Hustle isn’t a demotion; it’s a step on the path back to full health and NBA availability. After missing significant time due to toe surgery in October, this G-League stint allows him to participate in structured games with real minutes, which can be far more beneficial than only practicing at full speed.
The Hustle environment will give him a chance to build confidence, timing and conditioning in competitive settings. When the Grizzlies feel he’s ready, the expectation is that he will be recalled to contribute at the NBA level, particularly as Memphis navigates injuries and depth issues at backcourt spots.
Pippen Jr.’s overall game has improved steadily since entering the NBA, combined with flashes of scoring and playmaking that hint at his upside. The controlled return through the G-League is a common step for players coming back from surgery, and for him, it could serve as the bridge between recovery and resuming a regular role with the Grizzlies.
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