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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Scotty Pippen Jr. #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies have been dealing with injuries since before the season began. Zach Edey took a while to return from surgery. He had a terrible season, as he only played 11 games before having season-ending surgery.
Ja Morant continued his injury woes this season, as he has only played 20 games. Because of all of the injuries, Memphis is one of the worst teams in the league. They sit 11th in the Western Conference standings and are hoping for some lottery luck.
These injuries have allowed some of the younger guys to get playing time. Now one of those younger guys has had his year ended with an injury. Scottie Pippen Jr.’s season is finished.
Memphis Grizzlies Lose Scottie Pippen Jr. to Season-Ending Injury
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Pippen Jr. will now miss the rest of the season. He will undergo a sesamoidectomy to address an issue with his big toe. Pippen Jr. dealt with a multitude of injuries this season and will end his season after only playing 10 games.
The Grizzlies were hoping to allow Pippen Jr. to play more down the stretch of the season with so many other guys out due to injuries. This would have allowed Pippen Jr. to play through mistakes and try new things offensively. Instead, he ends his season just as so many of his teammates have.
With Pippen Jr. out, the Grizzlies are running out of healthy guards. He had a career-high in steals this season, but it was a very small sample size. He also set a new career mark in scoring. Memphis believes this surgery will help him finally be healthy next year.
Since the Grizzlies aren’t playing for anything at the end of the year, it doesn’t make sense for Pippen Jr. to try to play through any sort of injury. They want him healthy for next year while they continue to tank for the rest of this season.
Memphis Has Struggled to Stay Healthy
A lack of health has been a massive issue for the Grizzlies in the last few seasons. Morant has been the main player that they have missed, but most of their role players have struggled to stay on the court as well. That includes Jaren Jackson Jr., who is now in Utah.
It’s clear that the Grizzlies are in for an offseason of change. They are going to be rebuilding once the summer rolls around. There’s a chance that they try to trade Morant, although no one was interested in him at the trade deadline. His lack of health hasn’t exactly raised his stock, either.
Regardless, Memphis is going to use its first-round pick to accelerate the rebuild. That pick will be a foundational pick for whichever direction they decide to move in this summer. The Grizzlies need to get lucky enough to have a top-four pick to have a true superstar to build around.
Pippen Jr. is expected to make a full recovery from his surgery and should be ready for next year.