Credit: © Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Scotty Pippen Jr. Injury Update – What Happened to Scotty Pippen Jr. and When Will the Grizzlies’ Star Return?

Credit: © Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s still early in the season, but injuries continue to hit the Memphis Grizzlies hard. With Ja Morant questionable for the opener as he recovers from an ankle sprain, the team has now confirmed that Scotty Pippen Jr. will be out for an extended period after undergoing surgery on his left big toe.

The team announced that Scotty Pippen Jr. will miss at least three months as he recovers from the procedure. The injury is another blow to Memphis, which is already missing centers Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke due to injuries of their own.

Scotty Pippen Jr. underwent a sesamoidectomy, a surgery that involves the removal of a small, round bone embedded within tendons around the big toe. These bones help absorb pressure and aid movement but can cause pain when overused or stressed.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. will undergo a procedure for a left big toe injury and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 18, 2025

Injury Adds Pressure on Grizzlies’ Depleted Backcourt Rotation

With Pippen sidelined, Ty Jerome could see increased minutes if he stays healthy. Jerome himself left the Grizzlies’ final preseason game with a calf issue, leaving the team with limited backcourt options heading into opening night.

The loss of Desmond Bane, who joined the Orlando Magic during the offseason, already created a scoring void in the backcourt, and Pippen’s absence only deepens the concern.

Injuries have been an ongoing issue for the Memphis Grizzlies in recent seasons. The trend began with Ja Morant, who has played in only 59 games over the last two years. For a team still trying to find its footing, a mostly healthy campaign is critical to understanding its long-term potential.

Chicago Bulls legend and Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen’s son, Pippen Jr., went undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2022. He later joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-way contract, appearing in six games during his rookie season before finding a more stable role in Memphis.

Since joining the Grizzlies, Scotty Pippen Jr. has averaged 10 points and 4.2 assists across 100 career games. The six-foot-one guard emerged as a consistent performer last season, starting 21 games and appearing in a career-high 79 contests.

Over that span, he shot 48 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range, averaging 9.9 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.

The Grizzlies will feel Pippen’s absence, particularly with Ja Morant still nursing his ankle injury. His ability to handle the ball, create offense, and bring energy off the bench was a vital part of Memphis’ rotation, one that will now need to be filled as the team navigates a tough start to the 2025 NBA season.