Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies has had an impressive season so far.
He led the NBA in blocked shots per game during the regular season with 3.0, marking the second year in a row that he topped that category.
Jackson was named to his first All-Star team a few months ago, and on Monday, he won Defensive Player of the Year, making him the second youngest player to win the honor.
He was videotaped at home knowing he had won the award, and his reaction was humble and healthy.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s reaction to winning Defensive Player of the Year was very helpful 🥺🏆pic.twitter.com/QHDHMmmghj
– ClutchPoints (ClutchPointsApp) April 17, 2023
Jackson, 23, of New Jersey, is in his fifth pro season after being the fourth player taken in the 2018 NBA draft.
This season, not only has he played plenty of stellar defense and provided edge protection for the powerhouse Grizzlies, but he’s also expanded his game averaging 18.6 points a game while shooting 50.6% from the field and 35.5% from 3-point range.
He was a big reason Memphis finished third in the defensive rankings during the regular season.
In Game 1 of a first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Jackson played at the peak of his power, not only blocking two shots but also scoring 31 points on 13-of-21 shooting.
But it wasn’t enough, as the Grizzlies fell to LeBron James’ crew, 128-112.
They will likely be at a huge disadvantage going forward, as Ja Morant, their franchise player, is unlikely to play in Game 2 due to a hand injury he sustained on Sunday when he committed an offensive foul during the fourth quarter.
the next:
Jaren Jackson Jr. is making history by winning today’s award