There’s more than one ‘nepo baby’ in the NBA, but most of the attention goes to #9 in the Lakers. On the other hand, Scotty Pippen Jr. is underrated in more ways than one. After a late spurt in Vanderbilt, Scottie Pippen’s son walked into the NBA with mediocre expectations. He’s since seen some tremendous growth reminiscent of his dad, who defined the forward position. Scotty Jr’s recent breakout has earned him a longer stay at the Grizzlies. Fans love this and the Memphis side’s rebuild in general. Quite the contrasting treatment to what Bronny James gets.

After spending the majority of the 2023-24 season in the G-League, Scotty Pippen earned a two-way contract. He now has a permanent spot on the Grizzlies’ roster with a standard contract. He averaged 12.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals in 21 games this past season with a promising future.

According to Shams Charania, Pippen and the Grizzlies agreed to a multi-year deal. The team’s social media confirmed that he’s now “signed!” And let’s not forget this guy debuted with the Lakers and played all of 32 minutes in Los Angeles.

Fans immediately hailed Pippen and the Grizzlies for this move. Multiple NBA vets are looking at the immense potential in Memphis and warning teams like the Celtics and Lakers to watch out for them. Most of the confidence comes from its underrated talent.

Pippen’s sluggish arrival in the NBA sort of protected him from the nepotism dramatics. He still got it, but it was relatively tame. He had very huge shoes to fill in Scottie Pippen’s, a 6x NBA champion, top draft pick, and one of the best role-players who led the Chicago Bulls dynasty.

Lately, parallels are being drawn between Bronny James and Scotty Pippen Jr. After his underwhelming summer league, some fans think he should go to the G-League while others claim Scotty is better. Pippen’s new chapter only fuels those comparisons.

Glaring differences in reactions to Scotty Pippen and Bronny James

Scotty Pippen Jr. went undrafted in 2022 and signed a two-way contract with the Lakers. But since he arrived in Memphis in January 2024, it’s been a new and improved Scotty. As soon as the Grizzlies confirmed that he’s on a standard contract, fans were quick to say, “Deserved… big time.” That’s more than can be said about the reactions to Bronny James’ rookie-scale $7.9 million deal.

It is unfair to expect the 20-year-old to take a pay cut on account of his dad, LeBron James’ wealth. But that’s not been said about Scotty, whose father was criminally underpaid throughout his career! The reason, a fan pointed out is, because, “Yea scotty be hooping.” Even the Grizzlies are getting praise for this move. “Good call. Well deserved!!! Scotty Pippen has worked his tail off.”

While Bronny reps USC, Vanderbilt fans are ecstatic to see one of their own emerging in the big league. “Yes! Another breakout for @VandyMBB.” Scottie Pippen went viral last season whenever he attended his son’s games and had some loud reactions. On the other hand, it’s yet to sink in for Lakers nation that LeBron and Bronny are going to debut as the first father-son teammates.

The ‘nepo’ narrative has spilled outside the walls of the NBA with Kevin Hart coming in LeBron James’ defense! “It’s my job as a father to not only give her the right information but put her in the best position to succeed. It’s your job as my child to do the work,” the popular comedian explained while trying to acknowledge the 22-season veteran and his son’s situation.

While most eyes will be on the Purple and Gold’s new star duo, and other hoopers would be defending Bronny from the nepotism allegations, Memphis would be the likely underdogs. “Now, let him cook,” a fan tells Pippen, looking for the Grizzlies’ overdue emergence.