Scottie Pippen's son Scotty Pippen Jr. laughs off brother Justin Pippen’s reveal of his basketball flaws
Ahead of his freshman season with Michigan, Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen's son Justin Pippen recently touched on his biggest basketball strengths. While doing so, he playfully highlighted his brother, Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr.'s, primary weaknesses, garnering a comical response.
Justin Pippen, a four-star prospect out of California's renowned Sierra Canyon High School, committed to Michigan in April. He reportedly chose the Wolverines over offers from Cal, Florida, Texas A&M and Stanford.
The 6-foot-3 combo guard broke out late in high school, improving his shooting, ball handling and decision-making. However, according to Justin, he is already a better shooter than his older brother.
On Tuesday, the Michigan men's basketball Instagram page posted a clip of Justin breaking down the differences between his and Scotty's games. The 19-year-old noted that he has the advantage from outside the arc, while his brother thrives closer to the rim.
"I feel like he's a little stronger. So, he's better at finishing, but he knows I shoot better than him," Justin said. "So, I got the upper hand in shooting, for sure."
Justin added that he and Scotty are evenly matched in one-on-one battles, as his brother struggles to contain him.
"50/50, yeah, he can't contest my shots," Justin said.
Per Justin, he's been beating Scotty since middle school when the latter was in high school.
However, Scotty promptly called out Justin in a Tuesday Instagram story, seemingly suggesting his younger brother was lying.
"Don't believe this, @justinpippen," Scotty said.
Scotty Pippen Jr. broke out over 21 games as a two-way contract player with Memphis last season, cementing his place in the Grizzlies' rotation. The undrafted guard averaged 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 49.3% and 41.7% from 3.
So, if Justin is already challenging his older brother, he could have a bright future.
Justin Pippen credits brother Scotty Pippen Jr. for helping improve his work ethic
While Justin Pippen and Scotty Pippen Jr. took lighthearted shots at each other on Tuesday, the brothers appear to be very close.
After committing to Michigan, Justin touched on his desire to "make the NBA." He also credited his older brother for helping him work toward his goal.
"I feel like my brother has increased my work ethic, for sure," Justin said. "Just being in the gym with him and other pros this summer, and my dad as well. He's just telling me to wake up every single day and put the work in."
Scotty played three seasons with Vanderbilt, leading the SEC in scoring (20.4 ppg) as a junior. Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, he was able to carve out a spot in the league. So, his experience should bode well for his younger brother as he looks to do the same.
Also Read: Scottie Pippen links up with 12.7m-follower streamer Kai Cenat to promote his cryptocurrency business