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NBA Legend's Son Sends Message to Critics

Scotty Pippen Jr. had a message for his doubters.

Being the son of an NBA Hall of Famer is arguably one of the most scrutinized positions any young hopeful NBA player can be in. It's a story that Scotty Pippen Jr. knows all too well and has heard from critics all his life.

In an interview with Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal, Scotty Pippen Jr. opened up about the scrutiny he's faced throughout his career.

“Every level I’ve been at, I’ve been doubted,” Pippen said. “Even though I’ve succeeded and done well. In high school, I was under-recruited even though I was on the top high school team and one of the top players on my team.”

Due to injury circumstances, Pippen Jr. has had a chance to compete and play with the Memphis Grizzlies this season. While he's not the All-Star his dad was, he's been a legitimate player in the league. This season, Pippen Jr. is averaging 10.8 points, 5.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks on 44/50/50 shooting. Despite the recent success, Pippen Jr. asks himself why he went undrafted in 2022.

“I still ask myself why I went under-recruited, why I’m undervalued,” Pippen told The Commercial Appeal last month. “At every level, I have succeeded. I don’t know why. It just keeps me motivated.” 

If there's one silver lining this injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies season has brought, it's the revelation of stories like these that wouldn't have been heard otherwise.

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