The Memphis Grizzlies’ backcourt was once viewed as one of the most dynamic in the league, led by talents like Ja Morant and Scotty Pippen Jr. Over the summer, the front office strengthened the unit even further by adding free agent Ty Jerome, giving Memphis impressive depth and versatility at the guard position. However, that promise has quickly been overshadowed by a string of injuries.

Morant was the first to go down with an ankle sprain, followed by Jerome’s setback in the team’s preseason finale. Now, Pippen Jr. has joined the list, leaving the Grizzlies’ once-promising backcourt suddenly thin and uncertain. Reportedly, the 24-year-old guard had been feeling some discomfort in his left big toe and will have to undergo surgery. This is another huge blow for the Grizzlies, as Pippen has emerged as a phenomenal guard in recent times.

Last season, the six-foot-one point guard started 21 games and featured in a career-high 79 games for Memphis, and showed he’s capable of becoming a starting player in the future. During that time, he averaged 9.9 points along with 4.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 48 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from the three-point line. There’s no doubt that the Grizzlies organization will miss Scotty Pippen Jr.’s productivity, especially with Ja Morant just returning from an injury. So, what’s his return timeline?

When is Scotty Pippen Jr. expected to return?

Well, as things stand right now, it’s going to be a while before we see Scotty Pippen Jr. back in action for the Memphis Grizzlies. After undergoing the procedure, he’s expected to miss at least 12 weeks, as per ESPN’s Shams Charania. “Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. will undergo a procedure for a left big toe injury and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks, sources tell ESPN,” he wrote on X. Pippen Jr. not only helps the squad with his game time but also allows the coach to utilize his squad better, something the Grizzlies will have to worry about.

By looking at this stat alone, you can tell just how important he is within the team’s rotation. So, now with him on the sidelines, the Grizzlies’ head coach, Tuomas Iisalo, will have a tough time trying to give Ja Morant a breather on a night-in and night-out basis. More so, even with Ty Jerome’s status yet to be cleared by the franchise. This makes you think who will actually step in Scotty Pippen Jr.’s absence during these 12 weeks or more?

Who will fill the gap left by Scotty Pippen Jr.?

With both Ja Morant and Scotty Pippen Jr. sidelined, it’s safe to say that the Memphis Grizzlies are in a very tough position. Although Morant is expected to make a comeback soon, Pippen Jr.’s return timeline can extend beyond the speculated 12 weeks. So, this will give Cam Spencer and Javon Small a chance to prove their worth. Spencer converted his two-way deal only last season into a standard contract. The 25-year-old showcased his potential just last night, when he put up 11 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds against the Heat.

Last season, even though he played only 25 games, the former Rutgers standout was quite reliable. So, he definitely will be someone whom Coach Iisalo will trust with some increased minutes for the first weeks until Scotty Pippen Jr. returns. Meanwhile, rookie guard Javon Small will also have an opportunity to play much more minutes than the 48th overall pick in this season’s NBA Draft would’ve expected. The 22-year-old has only recently inked a two-way contract with the franchise and will be eager to show his true ceiling.

So far, he’s looked quite impressive throughout the team’s preseason run. Although the Grizzlies only managed to win a single game, Small was one of the better players in this stretch. The rookie guard scored 16 against the Heat and averaged 10.8 points along with 6 assists and 1.8 rebounds, while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and a staggering 58.8 percent from the three-point line. So, it’s safe to say that these two players will be holding the lines until Scotty Pippen Jr. makes a comeback.