Defensive Dominance Continues: Jaren Jackson Jr. Earns Third Career All-Defensive Honor as Memphis Grizzlies Star Secures Spot on 2024–25 NBA All-Defensive Second Team with League-Leading Impact and Game-Changing Presence
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. has been named to the 2024–25 NBA All-Defensive Second Team, marking his third career All-Defensive selection and his third in the last four seasons. This recognition underscores Jackson Jr.’s consistent defensive excellence and his pivotal role in anchoring the Grizzlies’ defense.
A Season of Defensive Excellence
Throughout the 2024–25 season, Jackson Jr. demonstrated his defensive prowess by ranking fifth in the NBA in total blocks (113) and seventh in blocks per game (1.5). He also achieved career highs in total steals (92) and steals per game (1.2) over 74 games. Notably, he was the only player in the league to average at least two blocks and two steals per 48 minutes (minimum 1,100 minutes played), highlighting his versatility and impact on the defensive end.
Impact on Team Defense
Jackson Jr.’s presence on the court significantly bolstered the Grizzlies’ defensive performance. As the primary defender, he held opponents to 6.2 percent below their regular season shooting averages, the best defensive field goal percentage among award-eligible players with a minimum of 500 shot attempts defended. Additionally, opponents shot 5.7 percent worse at the rim when he was on the floor, and the team’s defensive rating improved by 6.3 points, underscoring his influence on the team’s overall defensive efficiency.
Career Milestones and Recognition
Selected fourth overall by Memphis in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Michigan State, Jackson Jr. has appeared in 407 games (398 starts), averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.9 blocks in 28.6 minutes per game. He was previously named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons and earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2022–23 season.
In the 2024–25 season, Jackson Jr. also made his second career All-Star appearance, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier defenders.
Looking Ahead
Jackson Jr.’s continued defensive excellence not only cements his legacy within the Grizzlies organization but also sets the standard for defensive performance league-wide. As he enters the prime of his career, his impact on the game is poised to grow even further, with fans and analysts alike anticipating his future contributions to the sport.
For more information on the 2024–25 NBA All-Defensive Team selections, visit the official NBA announcement.
