Grizzlies Guard Scotty Pippen Jr. Faces 12-Week Absence After Left Toe Surgery
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. underwent surgery on his left big toe Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined for about 12 weeks, the team announced. The procedure, a sesamoidectomy, addresses a lingering injury that has bothered the 24-year-old since last season.
Memphis initially disclosed the upcoming operation on October 18, adding that a formal timeline would come after the surgery. ESPN’s Shams Charania later reported that Pippen will be reevaluated at the 12-week mark, placing his earliest possible return in mid-January.
Injury-Riddled Roster
Pippen’s absence extends a challenging run of health issues for the Grizzlies:
- Second-year center Zach Edey remains out following left ankle surgery and is not expected back until November.
- Veteran forward Brandon Clarke recently underwent a knee procedure and is also targeting a return next month.
- Ja Morant continues to deal with a left ankle sprain, though the club is hopeful he can play in next week’s season opener.
- Former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. had offseason surgery for turf toe but appeared in the final two preseason games and is on track for opening night.
The backcourt depth chart could take another hit if guard Ty Jerome, who left Friday’s preseason finale with a right calf injury, misses time. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said Jerome will be reevaluated this weekend. In the interim, second-year guard Cam Spencer and two-way rookie Javon Small are expected to see increased minutes.
Pippen’s 2024-25 Contributions
Pippen appeared in a career-high 79 games last season, averaging 9.9 points, 4.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 21.3 minutes. He shot 48.0 percent from the field, 39.7 percent from three-point range and 71.3 percent at the free-throw line, carving out a key reserve role behind Morant.
Pippen will turn 25 next month as he begins rehabilitation. The Grizzlies plan to provide further updates after the 12-week evaluation.
Source: Hoops Rumors
