With the end of the regular season fast approaching, discussions about the various individual trophies are becoming more and more intense. For Defender of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr. is among the favorites, and you’ll never guess which player he thinks should win.
“I really think I’m Defender of the Year. I feel like I’ve achieved something special, and I really want that.”
You understood, Jaren Jackson Jr. is not the type to hide. For him, it’s clear, the title of Defender of the Year must go to him this season. And when you look at his file, it’s true that he has solid arguments to defend himself.
A real countering machine with its wingspan of 2m24 (3 blocks per game in just 28 minutes, leader in the NBA), JJJ has established himself as the best circle protector in the NBA, both in a role of last curtain that in help. Also capable, thanks to his mobility, of being effective when he finds himself on the perimeter against players who are supposed to be faster than him, and turning at an average interception, Jackson Jr. has everything from the modern interior on which a team can build its defense. The proof, the Grizzlies are on the NBA podium today in defensive efficiency, with 110.6 points conceded per 100 possessions if we are to believe NBA.com.
Years Jackson Jr. leads the NBA into:
Blocks per game (3.1)
Defensive Rating (105.7)
Opponent FG% (42.8%)
BLK% (9.8%) – 4th best season in NBA historyThe Grizzlies were 20th in defensive rating without him and are 1st since he returned
The DPOY race should be over. pic.twitter.com/QmLDo02ajZ
— Bryson???? (@BrysonWright3) March 30, 2023
Now, of course, he’s not alone in the race. Other players, like Brook Lopez for example, also have solid records. And then Jaren Jackson Jr. only has 63 games on the counter this season, it comes into play when it comes to voting. In the next CBA, it will be necessary to have played at least 65 games in a season to be eligible for an NBA Award, proof that the availability of a player will be increasingly monitored in this era of load management. You also add to this the fault problems (3.6 per game) that tend to penalize JJJ and therefore the Grizzlies, and you get some legitimate counter arguments.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has an excellent profile for Defender of the Year, remains to be seen if he will be penalized for his lack of minutes spent on the floors. Answer in a few weeks at the NBA Awards.
Source texte : ESPN