Justin Pippen is right behind his father and eldest brother’s footsteps, following his love for basketball. But has the 19-year-old already surpassed Scotty Pippen Jr. in any of the departments? All said in good humor, though, Justin believes there may as well be one particular thing where he shines brighter than his brother.

An Instagram post by Michigan Men’s Basketball featuring Scottie Pippen‘s youngest son’s interview had him revealing Pip Jr.’s weakness. “I feel like he’s a little stronger. So, he’s better at finishing. But, he knows I shoot better than him. So, I feel like I got that upper hand on the shooting,” he said. Justin further mentioned he maintains a 50-50 win chance against the Memphis Grizzlies’ star. But, when was the first time that Pip Jr. failed to contest his youngest brother’s shots?

This goes back to the time Justin was in middle school if you believe the 19-year-old. Hilariously though, that’s exactly what Scotty Pippen Jr. does not want you to do. “Cmon now 🧢 @justinpippen,” he commented on the post. But, it seems the 23-year-old wants to ensure that his truth reaches the maximum number of IG users. Pippen Jr. shared the post to his IG story section and wrote, “Don’t believe this…” 

It is important to highlight this all comes as a lighthearted exchange between two brothers. Justin actually has immense respect for his elder brother’s work ethic. In an interview with Yahoo Sports‘ Krysten Peek, the 19-year-old mentioned how his brother increased his own. “Just being in the gym with him and other pros this summer, and my dad as well. He’s just telling me to wake up every single day and put the work in,” Justin said.

How strong is Scotty Pippen Jr.’s work ethic?

It’s easier to assume that just because an individual comes carrying a popular NBA dad’s surname, everything is easier for him. This has not been the case for Pippen and Larsa’s eldest son at least, as revealed by Pip Jr. himself.

The 23-year-old, this month, took to his official IG account and shared a video showcasing his basketball journey so far. The video highlighted the fact that, despite averaging impressive numbers for his college team, he went undrafted in the 2022 draft. To give more context, Scotty Pippen Jr. averaged 12 ppg in his first college season but increased this figure to 20.4 ppg, along with 3.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game by his junior year in 2022.

Although it would’ve been an easier option to take up overseas basketball, he decided to carve his path into the NBA. However, he barely got any exposure with the Lakers on the two-way deal. A similar deal with the Grizzlies seemed to have fixed his spot as a role player for the team as of now. And his 49.3 FG percentage and 41.7 from beyond the arc in 21 games with the Grizzlies last season seem to defy his brother Justin’s claims about his shooting struggles.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.