West Notes: Grizzlies, Scotty Pippen Jr, Pelicans, Derik Queen, Clippers

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies can’t seem to catch a break. Guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is the latest to go down, set to undergo surgery on his left big toe that will sideline him until at least January, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

It’s another frustrating chapter for a roster that’s been dealing with injuries nonstop. Second-year center Zach Edey is still rehabbing ankle surgery, Brandon Clarke just had a knee procedure, and Ja Morant is trying to shake off a sprained left ankle. The team says Morant is “progressing really well,” with hope he’ll be ready for the opener.

Jaren Jackson Jr., who underwent offseason turf-toe surgery, is expected to start after returning for the final two preseason games.

Pippen was a reliable reserve last season, averaging 9.9 points and 4.4 assists in 79 games. With him out — and Ty Jerome nursing a calf injury — Memphis will likely lean on Cam Spencer and rookie two-way guard Javon Small for early-season minutes.

The Grizzlies have already announced their opening-night roster.

Pelicans

New Orleans got encouraging news on the injury front, as rookie big man Derik Queen has been fully cleared for basketball activities, per the team.

Head coach Willie Green said Queen was a full participant in Saturday’s practice but emphasized that the team won’t rush him back after wrist surgery in July.

The 13th overall pick sustained the injury during Summer League and had been limited throughout camp.

Queen, 20, was acquired after the Pelicans moved up in the draft by sending Atlanta the No. 23 pick and a 2026 first-rounder. The Maryland product averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in college and is expected to factor into the frontcourt rotation once he’s in game shape.

Clippers

The Clippers have finalized their regular-season roster, waiving Jason Preston, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and TyTy Washington Jr. while converting rookie forward Jahmyl Telfort to a two-way contract, per Law Murray of The Athletic.

Telfort, an undrafted forward out of Butler, averaged 16.0 points and 4.7 rebounds last season and impressed L.A. with his defense and awareness during camp. He’ll join Jordan Miller and Mouhamed Gueye as the team’s two-way players.

Preston, Baldwin, and Washington all have NBA experience and are eligible for Exhibit 10 bonuses of $85,300 if they spend at least 60 days with the San Diego Clippers of the G League.

With the moves, the Clippers will open the season with 14 players on standard contracts and three on two-way deals, staying just below the hard cap.