Scotty Pippen Jr.

Visually, it certainly looked a bit different two-and-a-half decades ago, but the end result, nonetheless, remains the same: those walking into the United Center with a “Pippen” jersey etched at the back are well-positioned for excellence. Calling it a “dream come true” to showcase his skillset in a place where his namesake already hangs in the rafters, Scotty Pippen Jr., appropriately, presents himself as the Chicago Bulls’ worst nightmare during a decisive right-side drive. Smooth and unhurried with Coby White and Nikola Vučević glued to his attack, the talented third-year guard takes what’s presented, hanging an across-the-rim scoop layup through to extend the Memphis Grizzlies’ third quarter edge. In what soon became a wire-to-wire win for the resilient Grizzlies, Pippen Jr. — during a 30-point, 10-assist, two-rebound, three-triple performance on a near-perfect 13-of-16 — ushered in history on November 23, 2024. In brilliant irony, the last two players to produce at least a 25-point, eight-assist box score on at least 80 percent shooting at the United Center? Pippen Jr., and, as one might’ve guessed, his six-time NBA champion father.