Pippen Jr. and Aldama Undergo Season-Ending Surgery as Grizzlies Skid Hits Eight

Scotty Pippen Jr. and Santi Aldama will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season following successful surgical procedures on Tuesday.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies confirmed on Tuesday that guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and forward Santi Aldama have undergone successful surgeries and will miss the remainder of the current NBA season. Pippen Jr. required an operation to repair his right big toe, while Aldama received a medical procedure and an injection to mitigate persistent discomfort in his right knee. These medical developments come as Memphis (23-44) struggles through an eight-game losing streak, leaving the roster nine games behind the final Western Conference play-in spot as of Tuesday night.

Statistical Impact of the Roster Departures

Santi Aldama concludes his campaign with season averages of 14 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest. His absence removes a significant frontcourt contributor from a rotation already thinned by long-term injuries. Scotty Pippen Jr., who did not make his season debut until last month due to a similar toe procedure in October, leaves the lineup after appearing in 10 games. During that brief stretch, the guard provided an average of 11.4 points per game. The Grizzlies surgery update ensures that neither player will return to the hardwood until the start of the next season.

Backcourt Depth and Star Availability

The Memphis backcourt has faced extreme volatility throughout the year, highlighted by the limited availability of star Ja Morant. Morant has appeared in only 20 games during the 2023-24 schedule and has been sidelined for the previous 25 matchups because of a left elbow injury. With Pippen Jr. now officially ruled out, the team loses a secondary scoring option who had recently integrated into the active rotation following his recovery from his initial autumn surgery. The successful nature of Tuesday's operations provides a timeline for both Pippen Jr. and Aldama to be fully rehabilitated for the upcoming training camp.

Western Conference Standings and Play-in Outlook

With a record of 23-44, the Grizzlies face a steep mathematical climb to reach the postseason. Entering Tuesday's slate of games, the franchise sat nine games back from the tenth seed, which marks the final entry point for the Western Conference play-in tournament. The eight consecutive losses have further distanced the organization from playoff contention. The loss of Aldama’s 14-point production and Pippen’s double-digit scoring average leaves the remaining roster to navigate the final stretch of the season without two of its primary statistical contributors. Management expects both athletes to be ready for the start of the next league cycle following their respective recoveries from the toe and knee interventions.