Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. has been looking forward to Wednesday's road game against the Los Angeles Lakers for quite some time, as it will be his first visit to Crypto.com Arena since leaving the team with which he started his NBA career.

"I definitely circled it on the calendar," Pippen told Sportskeeda's Mark Medina. "But I'll approach it the same way I approach any game. I'm going in there playing hard and letting the game be the game."

Pippen signed with the Lakers as an undrafted free agent and appeared in six games during the 2022-23 season. He started the 2023-24 season with the team's G-League affiliate in South Bay before the Grizzlies signed him to a two-way contract in January. His deal was converted to a standard four-year contract in October. He told Medina that he didn't have much clarity as to why the Lakers were so willing to let him go.

"I didn't really know what they wanted from me and what they expected from me," Pippen said. "Once I left there, I felt like it was a feeling that they didn't want me there and that I didn't have a future there. I didn't really get too much dialogue on why I wasn't there."

Since leaving Los Angeles, Pippen has faced his former team three times in Memphis. He scored a career-high 28 points in a 123-120 loss to the Lakers late last season. In their first meeting this year, he had 14 points, six rebounds and four assists off the bench as the Grizzlies earned a 131-114 win.

Pippen will have a bigger role when he visits Los Angeles on Wednesday, as he is set to start in place of star point guard Ja Morant, who is still sidelined with a hip injury.

The 24-year-old has been impressive with averages of 12.1 points and 6.5 assists while shooting 52.1 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three-point range, so Memphis should be comfortable with having him as its floor general in Morant's absence.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is week-to-week after suffering hip and pelvic muscle injuries during a Nov. 6 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Morant suffered a "posterior hip subluxation," alongside "multiple associated Grade 1 pelvic muscle strains," according to the team.

Grizzlies say Ja Morant has a posterior hip subluxation and a Grade 1 pelvic muscle strain. pic.twitter.com/hUD5lw6x37

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) November 9, 2024

The two-time All-Star guard was forced to exit Memphis' 131-114 win over the Lakers with the injury. He left midway through the third quarter and didn't return.

No team has been snakebitten more in terms of injuries in recent years than the Grizzlies. In 2023-24, they used 33 different players because head coach Taylor Jenkins was forced to adjust his lineup so frequently.

Morant wound up logging just nine appearances. He was suspended for the first 25 games and then suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

The 25-year-old had to shake off the rust a bit as the regular season tipped off but is returning to his peak level. He's averaging 20.6 points and 9.1 assists while shooting 44.8 percent from the field.

Memphis, meanwhile, is sitting at 6-4 in the tightly packed Western Conference.

Four games separated the fifth-place Dallas Mavericks and 10th-place Golden State Warriors a season ago, and the margins could be even slimmer now because the Grizzlies, along with the Houston Rockets, have grander ambitions after missing the play-in tournament.

Morant's contributions will be instrumental toward Memphis' playoff hopes because we know how tough things can be for the team when he's out of the lineup for an extended stretch.

The Memphis Grizzlies announced star Ja Morant left Wednesday's 131-114 win over the Los Angeles Lakers with a right hamstring injury.

He was listed as doubtful, but did not return after exiting, finishing with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds.

Any setback to Morant is going to be worrisome for the Grizzlies both because he is the team's franchise player and he played just nine games in 2023-24.

It was revealed in January 2024 he needed season-ending shoulder surgery, which cut short a campaign that started with a 25-game suspension for being shown on video with a gun for the second time in two months.

As a result, Morant entered the 2024-25 campaign having never played more than 67 games in a season since he was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2019 NBA draft.

When healthy, he is one of the best guards in the league.

He averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game in his limited time last season and has followed with 20.7 points, 9.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds a night in the early going in 2024-25.

While the Grizzlies' chances at a deep Western Conference playoff run likely depend on Morant being available, they do have other options who can fill in if needed. Look for the combination of Scotty Pippen Jr. and Luke Kennard to see more playing time if Morant is sidelined following this setback.

Memphis Grizzlies starters Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane are considered week-to-week with injuries, the team announced on Friday.

Bane suffered a right oblique strain and Smart sprained his right ankle during Wednesday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

The @memgrizz today announced the following medical updates for Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr. pic.twitter.com/pHPH7bWmA2

— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) November 1, 2024

Bane and Smart's injuries will further test the depth of a Grizzlies roster currently missing Luke Kennard, Vince Williams Jr., Cam Spencer and John Konchar.

The Grizzlies return to action on Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jaylen Wells and Santi Aldama started on Thursday as Ja Morant's triple-double led the Grizzlies to a 122-99 win over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks.

Wells contributed 16 points in 35 minutes in his first career start, while Aldama put up 19 points to contribute to the win.

Both will continue to get more playing time with Bane, Smart, Spencer and Williams all at least a week out from returning, according to the team.

Grizzlies starters Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. have also dealt with injuries this season. Morant, who has been listed on Memphis injury reports with thigh soreness, has yet to play 30 minutes in a game this season. Jackson was sidelined for the first two games of the season with a hamstring strain and is playing under a minutes restriction.

The limits on Morant and Jackson's minutes will make it harder for them to make up for the loss of their two fellow starters. Bane was averaging 18.8 points per game, second on the team only to Morant, while shooting 48.6 percent from the field prior to his injury. Smart was meanwhile contributing 5.6 points and 1.2 steals per game.

In other injury news, getting a return window for Williams is a positive sign for the Grizzlies given that the team offered no projected return date when first announcing the stress reaction in his tibia in September.

The Grizzlies did not offer updates for Kennard, who has not yet made his regular-season debut due to a foot muscle sprain, or Konchar, who missed Thursday's win over the Bucks with a quadriceps contusion.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. may have had some extra motivation for Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Memphis cruised to a 122-99 victory to improve to 4-4 on the season and Pippen had 16 points, three rebounds and an assist in 27 minutes. The game came as his former coach, Darvin Ham was watching on as an assistant for the Bucks, and Pippen appeared to take a slight jab at his former coach following the game.

“one of the coaches over there didn’t believe in me, so i definitely wanted to show that i can play some defense” 🤣

hear from Scotty Pippen Jr. after tonight’s dub @MyMikeCheck pic.twitter.com/x5QtY15VwL

— Grind City Media (@grindcitymedia) November 1, 2024

"I definitely took that matchup personally," Pippen said, per Grind City Media. "One of the coaches over there didn't believe in me so I definitely wanted to show him I can play some defense."

Ham was previously the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom Pippen had a brief stint during the 2022-23 season. He averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.3 assists in six games under Ham. He spent the majority of his time with the franchise's G League affiliate.

He has carved out more of a role with the Grizzlies, suiting up in 21 games in 2023-24 and having played five games for the team this season. He is currently averaging 9.8 points, 7.4 assists and three rebounds in 2024-25.

While it didn't work out in Los Angeles for Pippen, he appears to have stuck in Memphis and now can focus on carving out a career and continuing to prove those who doubted him wrong.

Memphis plays Milwaukee one more time in 2024-25, so Pippen should have an additional opportunity to show Ham what he can bring to the table.

Just six weeks after getting a contract from the Memphis Grizzlies, Yuki Kawamura wound up making the team coming out of the preseason.

Kawamura signed the final two-way contract the Grizzlies had available before the start of the 2024-25 season.

Promoted to Two-Way 🐻✔️ pic.twitter.com/WdscXonNwN

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) October 19, 2024

While normally this type of deal wouldn't generate much attention, Kawamura is a unique case because of his size.

Per Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the 5'8" Kawamura is the shortest active player in the NBA. He is the 13th player in league history listed at 5'8" or shorter.

The last player to appear in an NBA game listed at 5'8" or shorter was Markquis Nowell. The 5'7" guard made one appearance for the Toronto Raptors in a 128-112 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 15, 2023.

Kawamura is the only player on an NBA roster listed under 6'0" going into the 2024-25 season. He spent the past four seasons playing for the Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japan's B.League.

The 23-year-old earned B.League MVP honors for the 2022-23 season. He averaged 19.1 points, 8.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game in 56 appearances.

Kawamura has also been part of Japan's national team since 2022. The Japanese team qualified for the 2024 Olympics as the top team from Asia at the FIBA World Cup the previous year.

Even though Japan's run at the Olympics ended with an 0-3 record in the preliminary round, Kawamura was a standout in a group that also included NBA stars like Franz Wagner (Germany) and Victor Wembanyama (France).

Kawamura did all he could in Japan's near-upset of France in the group stage. He scored 29 points on 6-of-15 three-point shooting with seven rebounds and six assists in a 94-90 overtime loss.

That performance made Kawamura just the third player since 2000 to have a game in the Olympics with at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists, joining Luol Deng (Great Britain) in 2012 and Kevin Durant (USA) in 2016.

Heart over height ❤️‍🔥

Yuki Kawamura is only the third player combining for 25+ PTS, 5+ REB and 5+ AST in a game at the #Olympics in the 21st century.

Previously: Kevin Durant in 2016 and Luol Deng in 2012#Paris2024 x #Basketball pic.twitter.com/CiE8O0UmRQ

— FIBA Basketball (@FIBA) July 30, 2024

The Grizzlies wound up signing Kawamura to an Exhibit 10 on Sept. 6. He appeared in each of the team's five preseason games, averaging 3.4 points, 4.2 assists in 15.1 minutes and showcased his unique passing ability.

Yuki Kawamura goes no-look drop pass to Zach Edey 🫣

MEM-IND | #NBAPreseason | NBA League Pass
📲 https://t.co/uPLHqPu8hC pic.twitter.com/tTpAwcgCuB

— NBA (@NBA) October 14, 2024

Kawamura seems to have a prominent fan in the Grizzlies locker room based on Ja Morant's reaction to him receiving a two-way contract. They also celebrated together at a 2000s-themed party for Grizzlies players and employees.

pic.twitter.com/IcO24kN2tJ

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) October 19, 2024

師弟コンビで✌️

河村勇輝、モラントの影響かなり受けてるかもしれませんね🤣👍 pic.twitter.com/VUnX5IrGRd

— BNFA aka NBAnews4All (@__BNFA) October 20, 2024

Kawamura previously made himself eligible for the 2023 NBA draft, but he went unselected by all 30 teams. He has done everything in his power to earn this spot with the Grizzlies.

While Kawamura will likely spend most of this season playing for the Grizzlies' G League affiliate, the two-way contract gives them the ability to add him to their roster should a need arise at point guard.

The Grizzlies will open the 2024-25 season on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center.

Fresh off one of the best seasons of his career, Jaren Jackson Jr. is in no hurry to ink a new contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.

ESPN's Bobby Marks reported Monday that Jackson and the Grizzlies are tabling negotiations until next offseason. The two sides had until 6 p.m. ET to hammer out an agreement, which could've gone up to $106 million over three years.

It was in Jackson's interest to wait, since Marks noted he'll be eligible to sign for four years and $147 million once the 2025 NBA Finals are over. Absent an extension, he's due to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

The 25-year-old has been on of the cornerstones of the Grizzlies' franchise since he was drafted in 2018.

The former No. 4 overall pick has averaged 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over his career and has made a name for himself as a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

He won the coveted award, and made his first All-Star team, during the 2022-23 season when he averaged a career-high three blocks and one steal per game.

Last season, as injuries took a toll on Memphis' playoff hopes, Jackson put up a career-high 22.5 points per game along with 5.5 boards, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals.

While they went 27-55 with Ja Morant and other stars out for most of last season, the future continues to look bright for the Grizzlies. They made the playoffs three consecutive seasons in the years prior, reaching the second round for the first time since 2015 in 2022.

The star pairing of Jackson and Morant alongside a strong supporting cast highlighted by Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane and exciting rookie Zach Edey seems to be a roster that can finally lead Memphis to being a contender after years of mediocrity.

The more restrictive collective bargaining agreement has led general managers to reassess when it comes to shelling out big money to both homegrown talent and outside free agents. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in part to gain more long-term payroll flexibility.

When it comes to Jackson, you'd expect the Grizzlies to pay up eventually because he'd leave behind a large void in the frontcourt if he were to leave.

After a few seasons of trying to find his place in the NBA, Scotty Pippen Jr. has signed a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Grizzlies signed the two-way guard to a standard multiyear contract. Pippen got one of the final two open roster spots for the Grizzlies, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks. Memphis also now has an open two-way spot.

Pippen went undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2022 and joined the Los Angeles Lakers, spending most of the 2022-23 season with the G League South Bay Lakers. He rejoined South Bay ahead of the 2023-24 season before signing a two-way contract with the Grizzlies in January.

Amid Memphis' injury woes during the 2023-24 season, Pippen played 21 games and put up 12.9 points, 4.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game while playing 25.1 minutes per game.

Pippen shined in Summer League, posting 21.5 points, 8.7 assists and 3.3 steals per game, and has put together a solid preseason, averaging 10.3 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per game through four contests.

Scotty Pippen Jr. posted RIDICULOUS numbers at NBA Summer League! ⭐️

The @memgrizz floor general averaged 21.5 PPG, 8.7 APG, 5.0 RPG, and 3.3 APG. Scotty led Memphis to the title game and earned All-Summer League First Team honors. pic.twitter.com/QL7E13lZxb

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 25, 2024

After veteran point guard Derrick Rose announced his retirement last month, it paved the way for Pippen to potentially land on the Grizzlies' permanent roster. He'll now get the chance to prove himself while playing behind star point guard Ja Morant.

With Morant and other stars injured for most of the year last season, the Grizzlies finished 27-55 and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. They'll now look to get back on track and contend in the West with Morant and others healthy.

Ninth overall pick Zach Edey and the Memphis Grizzlies secured another preseason victory, this time winning 120-116 over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Zach Edey up to 21 points after the slick dish from Jake LaRavia 🤝

MEM-IND | #NBAPreseason | NBA League Pass
📲 https://t.co/uPLHqPuG7a pic.twitter.com/pZBEMb6LFN

— NBA (@NBA) October 15, 2024

Although Brandon Clarke got the start at center over Edey on Monday, the rookie finished the night with an impressive 23 points, nine rebounds and one steal while shooting 10 for 15 from the field.

Fourth-year Grizzly Desmond Bane contributed 23 points, two rebounds, and two assists to complement Edey's performance.

Zach Edey putting Marcus Smart's pregame drop step lessons to use! 👀 pic.twitter.com/zxxIext11u

— NBA (@NBA) October 15, 2024

The 7'4" center's remarkable height, combined with his athleticism and physical presence, presents a significant defensive asset for a Grizzlies team that struggled last season, finishing No. 19 in defensive rating.

The 22-year-old impressed fans as he nears his regular season debut.

Zach Edey after 3 quarters:

21 points (9-13, 3-4 FT)
9 rebounds (3 off.)

16 minutes played.

His game won’t translate though!!!!! pic.twitter.com/j8LOVVW9Ly

— Boiler Burner (@BoilerBurner1) October 15, 2024

Zach Edey tonight:

23 PTS
9 REB
10-15 FG

and he only played 18 minutes pic.twitter.com/lv3MsiLdm5

— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 15, 2024

I can’t wait for him to dominate so all the “analytics” guys can shut up about the big man isn’t needed https://t.co/tTMFDYtCte

— Siriusly Black (@proseccopadre_) October 15, 2024

And people said he wasn’t an NBA type player @NBA https://t.co/vQoRhHo4v2

— Chandler Simpson Stan (Rays 16-18) (@tb_sports_fan) October 15, 2024

NUMBER 9. He slipped to NINTH. Eight other teams are about to learn to live with regret. https://t.co/bWY3MiFnS5

— Dee Phunk (@DeePhunk) October 15, 2024

Myles Turner is 6’11 250. He’s a two time NBA blocks leader.

Zach Edey just ate his lunch the entire 1st half. It was clear and evident that Turner could not handle Edey’s size or jump hook.

The NBA is about to know who Zach Edey is real soon.

— Jordan Stocks (@StockTalks21) October 15, 2024

The Grizzlies will wrap up their preseason at home on Friday against the Miami Heat before kicking off their regular season on the road against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 23.

Memphis Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey made a living in the paint while starring at Purdue, averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game for the national runner-up last year.

However, there was an interesting sight during the Grizzlies' 119-94 home loss to the Charlotte Hornets in preseason action on Thursday.

Namely, the 7'4", 305-pound Edey took three three-pointers, or two more than he ever attempted during his four years at Purdue.

Edey didn't make any of his three attempts and struggled offensively overall, scoring 10 points on 2-of-8 shooting (6-of-8 free throws). He also grabbed five rebounds and blocked one shot.

Edey didn't take any threes in his first preseason game on Monday, a 121-116 win over the Dallas Mavericks that saw him finish with six points and seven rebounds. So this was a brand-new sight for the big man.

It's not a surprise that he attempted the threes in a meaningless preseason game. Big men routinely stretch the court these days, of course, with centers taking (and making) threes regularly.

But that's not Edey's game, at least not yet. He is clearly working on it, though, and showed off some long-range skills at the NBA Draft Combine.

Zach Edey says he has the 3-ball in his game right now already and he's looking forward to showing that. Doesn't look like a stretch here at the NBA draft combine. pic.twitter.com/Egc1HYfSDs

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2024

Zach Edey out here burying 3s in the shooting drills. Of course he’s not being defended but these drills are all about showing your form, range and release. @BoilerBall @NBADraft @NBATV @MarchMadnessMBB @B1GMBBall @BigTenNetwork

— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) May 13, 2024

I tried to tell people. Zach Edey has offensive range, but a lot of people who watched him play for Purdue decided he can only post up/pick and roll. If Matt Painter has a player that unstoppable in the post and puts him on the perimeter, well, then, that's just bad coaching. https://t.co/953hRZUtY9

— Sam King (@samueltking) May 13, 2024

However, in-game action remains a work-in-progress, and fans weren't exactly thrilled at the early results.

Can we stop having Edey at the 3 point line and get him some looks inside lol

— Jaylen Wells Muse (@HoopOG) October 11, 2024

Edey needs to stop with the 3 pointers, he is ass at them

— Hornetsrule95 (@Hornetsrule95) October 11, 2024

Edey better not shoot another 3

— tink (@slightlytink) October 11, 2024

Why is Edey just standing behind the 3 point line. 😐😐

— Xavier Dotson (@ZaytimeTakes) October 11, 2024

Zach Edey standing in the CORNER 3 and Grant Williams is guarding him.....😭😭😭😭

— O-Dog-EddieKang-Ruffin (@D_E_Z_Z_) October 11, 2024

Edey has taken two 3's. I don't see them really trying to get him some deep post catches. That's really dumb

— Andy Roth (@arhooptalk) October 11, 2024

Of course, it's only one preseason game, and Edey hasn't exactly been shooting threes against real competition before Thursday. Perhaps it's a skill he picks up down the line, but for now, he's still working on his craft.

Edey and the Grizzlies will take the court next on Saturday at the Chicago Bulls. Their first regular season game is on Oct. 23 at the Utah Jazz.