Jaren Jackson: Your 2023 NBA Defensive Player Of The Year

Image via Jaren Jackson IG

This season, Jackson was a shot-blocking, shot-altering, rim-protecting powerhouse for the Grizzlies, and the 23-year-old All-Star was voted NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in his five-year career on Monday. For the second consecutive season, Jackson led the league in blocks per game (3.0) and total blocks (189), behind only Milwaukee's Brook Lopez, who was also a nominee for the award with Cleveland's Evan Mobley. According to the Grizzlies, Jackson also held opponents to 46.9% shooting at the rim, the lowest percentage allowed in the NBA. He's also speedy and flexible enough to defend on the perimeter and in pick-and-roll situations.

The Grizzlies were third in the league in defense, allowing 110.7 points per 100 possessions. When Jackson was on the field, the Grizzlies scored 116.4 points per 100 possessions and allowed 106.6 points per 100 possessions, and they were worse offensively and defensively when he wasn't.

Jaren Jackson could also be first team candidate for leaguefits at the conclusion of year as well being arguably the flyest PF in the game.