Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. recently showcased a striking new tattoo that pays tribute to his legendary father, Scottie Pippen Sr. The full sleeve design features the six-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer in his iconic Chicago Bulls No. 33 jersey, holding hands with a young boy, widely interpreted to represent Pippen Jr. himself. The tattoo prominently displays the word “Legacy” in bold letters, symbolizing the deep respect and admiration he holds for his father’s illustrious career.
Pippen Jr. shared the artwork on Instagram last Friday, capturing the attention of basketball fans and followers alike. The tattoo serves as a heartfelt homage to Scottie Pippen Sr., a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated not only for his personal achievements but also for his pivotal role on the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team.” He is best known for his dynamic partnership with Michael Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ dominance in the 1990s.
In a historic moment for the Pippen family, the father-son duo made NBA history in 2024 by becoming the first pair to each record a triple-double in league play. After a stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Pippen Jr. is gearing up for his fourth professional season with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he aims to carve out his own identity in the league.
During a recent appearance on the “Run It Back” podcast, Pippen Jr. discussed the unique spelling of his name compared to his father’s. “My dad was actually born ‘Scotty’ with a ‘y,’ but when he entered the league and signed many autographs, he switched to ‘ie’ because it was easier,” he explained. “I feel like I should’ve gone with ‘ie’ to keep it simple, but it’s cool to be a little different.”
Born on November 10, 2000, to Scottie Pippen and his then-wife Larsa Pippen, Scotty Jr. acknowledges the pressure that comes with being the son of an NBA icon. While many expect him to follow in his father’s footsteps, he is determined to forge his own path. He understands that comparisons are part of the journey but emphasizes that he does not want them to define who he is as a player.
Despite the weight of his famous last name, Scotty Pippen Jr. is focused on establishing his own legacy in professional basketball with the Grizzlies. As he embarks on this new season, fans will be eager to see how he continues to honor his father’s influence while making a name for himself in the NBA.