Jaren Jackson Jr, the “Block Panther” of the Grizzlies | NBA

before recovering Ja Morantthe Grizzlies had set their sights on Jaren Jackson Jr. during the 2018 Draft, taking advantage of their fourth choice to select a first element around which to begin a reconstruction. A mobile strong winger, capable of going up the field with the ball in hand, but also of sanctioning 3-pointers. Three years later, the son of the former Spurs player became the number 1 Lieutenant of Ja Morant, tenured in the All-Star Game, which has established itself as one of the best point guards in the NBA.

Reformed for good this season after JJJ took care of his knees, the duo had something to enthuse Grizzlies fans, and their reunion lived up to expectations but not necessarily in the style we expected: much more offensive for Ja Morant, more defensive for Jaren Jackson Jr.

While Ja Morant is now part of the Top 5 of the best scorers in the league, and elements like Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane also take up more and more space offensively, Jaren Jackson Jr. has indeed turned into a defender of elite, while keeping its standards in attack, at nearly 17 points on average per game.

Grit & Grind DNA version 2.0

Like his leader, he is now the guarantor of the team’s DNA, nourished by the “Grit & Grind” of his glorious predecessors, notably dominating the league in the number of counters with 122 “blocks” on the clock. . To the point of earning a nice nickname among some Memphis fans: “Block Panther”.

“His defense is incredible right now”, raved his coach, Taylor Jenkins after his player’s impressive January at 3.3 blocks per game over the month. “What he does on every possession on defense with great communication, great activity and great discipline around the circle, that sets the tone for us. We hope he continues to be recognized for that, but that’s not his main motivation. What motivates him is to help us win”.

This is confirmed by the main interested party, who is now one of the candidates for the best defender of the year, because his only motivation is collective: the record of the Grizzlies, currently third in the West (37v-18d).

“There’s nothing on my mind but to go out there and do whatever my team needs every night. I mean: look at each of the players, take them one by one, we show up every night with the same energy, the same state of mind, the same union. It’s not just one or two guys, it’s all of us. I’m just part of it all, but we’re all connected. All season, the players have been able to make up for each other’s absences, I’m only doing my part of the job.

Defend without making mistakes

Having become the boss of the Grizzlies defense alongside Steven Adams, the interior has progressed in its way of containing its opponents, by committing fewer fouls, he who notably turned to more than four personal fouls per game in 2020 (3.4 on average this season).

“He found a way to counter without making a mistake. He’s really developed that thing in defense and he’s very good at it, just by positioning himself better.”said Brandon Clarke in particular. “His arms are so long and he’s just a great defensive player. He understood how to be in the right place at the right time. It’s been a big adjustment for him, and he’s been amazing this year.”

Under the impetus of his Morant-Jackson tandem, Memphis has in any case managed a turnaround as fast as it is effective, going from 14th place in 2018 to a return to the playoffs last season. The team’s progress continued over this exercise with a very good third place in the West.

“Their potential knows no bounds”added Taylor Jenkins about his shock duo. “These guys strive to push the limits to progress, from individual development to team development. I like to step back and watch what they are doing. It helps motivate me to find different ways to get more out of them. Luckily, it’s something that feeds their motivation.