Scotty Pippen Jr. has declared himself the healthiest he's been in the NBA as Memphis Grizzlies training camp opens. The guard, speaking in Nashville after two toe surgeries, provides a needed boost for a team coming off a 25-57 season that ended with a 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 13.
Pippen's foot has been an issue since he entered the league. That changed at camp this week. "I feel good," Pippen said. "It's probably the best I've felt since I've been in the league." He underwent a sesamoidectomy on his right big toe in March 2026, following the same procedure on his left toe in October 2025.
The first surgery delayed his 2025-26 debut until February 6. He played just 10 games, starting six. In those appearances, Pippen averaged 11.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.9 steals in 21.2 minutes per game. He shot 44.8% from the field. General manager Zach Kleiman confirmed both Pippen and Jaylen Wells are "full go" after finishing last season injured.
Pippen's return is significant for a backcourt that looks completely different. Franchise star Ja Morant was traded to Portland on June 29. Memphis also added guards Walter Clayton Jr., Jordan Hawkins, and Cam Spencer. The Grizzlies' backcourt was devastated by injuries last year, contributing to an NBA-record 564 games lost to injury and illness.
The team's recent form shows the need for reliable contributors. Memphis lost its last four games of the 2025-26 season, including defeats to the Cleveland Cavaliers (142-126), Milwaukee Bucks (131-115), and Phoenix Suns (131-105). Their last win was a narrow 125-124 victory over the Chicago Bulls on March 29.
Financially, Pippen is eligible for a contract extension during the season. ESPN's Bobby Marks listed him as eligible for a deal up to four years and $95 million. On the court, he'll compete for minutes in a crowded guard rotation that includes Ty Jerome and the new acquisitions. Memphis has a team option on Walter Clayton Jr. Until November 2.
The Grizzlies' preseason continues with a game at the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Their regular season opener is October 21 at home against the Utah Jazz. A fully healthy Pippen, the son of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, could be a key piece in Memphis's efforts to move past a difficult year. His college pedigree at Vanderbilt, where he was a first-team All-SEC pick, suggests he has more to offer if his health holds.
