Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. made NBA history by becoming one of four players to ever have averaged at least three blocks and one steal per game. On Monday, he was named the NBA’s 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year (ESPN, CBS Sports, NBA.com, Yahoo Sports, The Athletic, USA Today, Sports Illustrated).
Jackson Jr. led the league in blocks at three per game – half a point higher than the next closest player (The Athletic). He beat out fellow finalists Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks and Evan Mobley from the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA.com, Yahoo Sports).
This is not the first time Memphis has seen one of its players take home this award – Jackson Jr. follows in the footsteps of teammate Marcus Smart, who won the honor during the 2021-22 season.
Despite being a shot-blocking, rim-protecting force for the Grizzlies and winning his first Defensive Player of the Year award, 23-year-old Jackson Jr. faced criticism from Philadelphia 76ers’ player Joel Embiid. The latter took a shot at the Memphis scorekeeper for conceding the award to Jackson Jr., even though Embiid himself led the league in blocks (Yahoo Sports).
Regardless, Jackson Jr. is now one of the best defenders in the NBA, and his contributions to the Grizzlies’ defensive effort cannot be denied. He is also becoming one of the most important players on the team – even if his fellow standout Ja Morant is still a force to be reckoned with (The Commercial Appeal).
The award marks another impressive milestone for Jackson Jr. and further cements his place in the basketball world. His feat underlines how he is making a name for himself in a league packed with impressive talent.
