Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks both named to NBA All-Defense Team

Jaren Jackson Jr. has been named First-team All-Defense for the second season in a row, leading the NBA in blocks per game both times. This was a no-brainer for Jackson after winning Defensive Player of the Year in April. He is the first person in NBA history to secure multiple first-team all defensive selections and a DPOY at just 23 years old.

After missing the beginning of the season with a foot injury, Jackson quickly made an impact on a Grizzlies defense that was ranked 20th without him. After his return, the Grizzlies were consistently top five in defensive rating. Jackson had a league best 26 games with five or more blocks, and was also the first player to average 3.0+ blocks per game since Hassan Whiteside in 2015-16. He also broke the Grizzlies’ franchise record for blocks in a season (189), beating his own mark from last season. Jackson also joins Tony Allen as the only Grizzlies with multiple 1st team All-defense selections.

It was an amazing season on the defensive end for Jackson and the NBA is continuing to reward his work ethic and tenacity. In an era that has been focused on incredible offense, he has put himself on track for a historic career as a defender. Jackson is still improving on the defensive end, so expect this to be the 2nd of many All-Defensive selections.

EDITOR’S NOTE – Dillon Brooks was also named to the All-Defensive Team. The 2nd team nod is the first of his NBA career. While Dillon’s time in Memphis appears to be over, his impact defensively cannot be understated. His physicality, tenacity, and effort on that end made a world of difference for a Grizzlies team that was among the best in the league in defensive rating. He took on the most difficult assignment on the perimeter on a nightly basis, and took pride in how he competed.

It ended poorly, but this season was arguably Dillon’s best defensively (while also his worst offensively – but that’s not the purpose of the award).

Congratulations to both Dillon and Jaren on this achievement.