Could a familiar NBA name be on the verge of a huge breakout? Scotty Pippen Jr. is turning heads as a sleeper pick for a major individual award this upcoming season. With his secure spot on the Memphis Grizzlies, is he poised to stun the league and become a key player off the bench?

Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is generating significant buzz as a dark horse candidate to claim the prestigious NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, a prediction that has sports analysts and fans alike turning their attention to the young talent. This unexpected spotlight signals a potential breakout season for the 24-year-old guard, who appears poised to make a substantial impact off the bench for the Grizzlies.

Pippen Jr.’s journey to this point has been a testament to perseverance in the competitive landscape of the NBA. After spending his rookie year navigating an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, primarily in the G League, and a subsequent season on a two-way deal with Memphis, he finally secured his first full-time NBA contract in October 2024. This stability marked a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career with the Memphis Grizzlies.

During the 2023-24 season, under the security of his new four-year deal, Scotty Pippen Jr. became a consistent fixture in the Grizzlies’ rotation. He appeared in 79 games, starting 21 of them, and posted averages of 9.9 points and a career-high 3.3 rebounds per contest, showcasing his developing all-around game and increased comfort at the professional level within the NBA.

The growing confidence in Pippen Jr.’s potential is epitomized by Bleacher Report NBA insider Dan Favale, who has publicly named the guard as a strong contender for the Sixth Man of the Year Award. Should Pippen Jr. achieve this remarkable feat, he would join an elite group as one of the youngest players ever to receive the coveted trophy, solidifying his status as a rising star in NBA news.

Favale’s endorsement stems from Pippen Jr.’s multifaceted skill set. He is recognized as a solid offensive facilitator, demonstrating proficiency in running the offense while also proving to be an effective three-point shooter over the past two seasons. Furthermore, his “feisty defense” adds another valuable dimension to his game, making him a compelling candidate for a significant bench role for Grizzlies basketball.

However, Scotty Pippen Jr.’s path to securing the Sixth Man role isn’t without potential obstacles. Favale noted that the arrival of Ty Jerome could infringe upon his playing time, creating internal competition for minutes. Additionally, the possibility of Pippen Jr. being forced into more starting assignments due to injuries, particularly if Ja Morant misses time, could complicate his eligibility or impact as a pure sixth man.

Despite the promising outlook, Pippen Jr. remains a genuine dark horse, especially considering the initial betting lines for NBA awards. Vegas sportsbooks did not list him among the top 15 players with the best odds for the award when the season’s initial wagers were released. Interestingly, the sportsbooks currently favor teammate Santi Aldama (+3000 odds) as the Memphis Grizzlies’ most likely candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year.

As anticipation builds, the Memphis Grizzlies are set to tip off their season against the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Wednesday, October 22. While the game, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT/5:30 p.m. PDT, is not slated for national broadcast, all eyes will be on Scotty Pippen Jr. and his potential to emerge as one of the league’s most impactful bench players, making headlines in NBA news.