After declaring his intentions to enter into the NBA Draft and sign with an agent back in April, former Vanderbilt guard Scotty Pippen Jr. got his biggest chance yet to showcase his skills last week at the NBA Combine. Pippen Jr. raised his draft stock after a good week of workouts in front of a host of NBA scouts who attended the event.
The Combine took place from May 16-22 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, just a few miles from where his father, Scottie Pippen, played his legendary career with the Chicago Bulls. For the younger Pippen that made the Combine a homecoming of sorts; he grew up in nearby suburb Highland Park and still considers it home. Pippen Jr. competed in the NBA G-League Elite Camp last summer, but earned an invite to the actual Combine this year due to his stellar performance at Vanderbilt this past season.
The former first team all-SEC guard did not disappoint once given his chance. After measuring in at 6’1.5, 180 lbs, Pippen Jr. shined in both of his scrimmage opportunities. During game one on Thursday, he finished with 11 points and a game-high 6 assists—including some trademark dimes. In game four on Friday, he led all scorers with 21 points to go along with three assists and two steals.
Pippen Jr. showed off his defensive acumen in the contests as well, a noticeable improvement in his game from a season ago. The Chicago native disrupted passing lanes, picked up his assignment full court and consistently pestered opponents. Reports surfaced during the showcase that scouts in attendance were impressed with Pippen’s basketball IQ as well, a testament to his time spent under Jerry Stackhouse at Vanderbilt. Pippen Jr. almost certainly helped his stock last week as he looks to be selected in the upcoming NBA draft in June.
After the Combine, Pippen Jr. signed a deal with the Los Angeles-based agency Klutch Sports Group. Klutch is one of the most prestigious agencies in the NBA, founded by Lebron James and his friend and colleague Rich Paul. The group represents over 20 NBA athletes including fellow former Commodore Darius Garland.
