The Grizzlies entered training camp last season without a clear option to back up Ja Morant at the point guard position. Derrick Rose announced his retirement less than a week before media day, so the team quickly pivoted to their next best option in their organization, Scotty Pippen Jr.
Pippen Jr. signed with the Grizzlies on a two-way contract in January 2024 after a successful G League run with the South Bay Lakers (Los Angeles Lakers G League affiliate), and impressed the team enough to sign him to the active roster in October 2024. He became more reliable than initially thought as Morant missed 32 regular-season games to injury.