JJJ top-5 in NBA in two BBall Index defensive metrics

Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to solidify his status as one of the best defenders in the NBA.

After leading the league in blocks for two consecutive seasons (2021 and 2022) and winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022-2023, JJJ has become a regular feature in Basketball Index lists that aim to identify the most impactful defenders based on advanced metrics.

In the BBall Index's most recently published lists, Jackson Jr. is ranked the fifth-best NBA center in Defensive Playmaking and the third-best among Mobile Bigs in Perimeter Isolation Defense.

These rankings speak volumes about Jackson Jr.'s ability to cover ground on defense, protect the rim, and defend smaller players on the perimeter.

Understanding advanced defensive metrics

As NBA defenses have become more complex and sophisticated, there has been a growing need for better metrics to evaluate each player's impact on the defensive end.

Defensive Playmaking is a metric based on the accumulative total of four statistical categories: Deflections, Offensive fouls drawn, Steals, and Blocks.

A Mobile Big is a player who defends aggressively in pick-and-roll situations, often switching onto ball handlers or hedging to force them away from the basket.

Jackson Jr. excels in this role. His versatility allows the Grizzlies to switch more frequently on defense, preventing offensive players from exploiting mismatches.

Statistical impact on defense

Throughout his six seasons in the NBA, Jackson Jr. has steadily grown into one of the most impactful defenders in the league; his career stats show his evolution into a defensive juggernaut.

Jackson Jr.'s 2023-24 season was strong even as the Grizzlies experienced a terrible campaign and his All-Star guard Ja Morant was unavailable for all but nine games. Over 66 games, Jackson Jr. averaged 2.0 blocks per game, adding to his reputation as an elite rim protector. His mobility and quick hands also led to an average of 1.0 steals per game.

JJJ's perimeter defense is just as valuable as his rim protection. BBall Index highlights his ability to switch onto guards and wings without sacrificing defensive integrity. With his combination of length and agility, he can contest shots from virtually any position on the floor.

Jaren Jackson Jr.'s role in the Grizzlies' future

Jackson Jr. is more than just a defensive star for the Memphis Grizzlies—he's the cornerstone of their future success. With Ja Morant leading the charge offensively, Jackson's presence on the defensive end gives the Grizzlies one of the most well-rounded cores in the NBA.

Jackson Jr.'s mobility and defensive playmaking will continue to be crucial assets for the Grizzlies as they contend with the elite of the Western Conference. His ability to switch, block shots, and contest players on the perimeter makes him one of the most versatile big men in the league and essential for Memphis' playoff success. Jackson Jr.'s skill set is invaluable in an NBA where defenders are increasingly asked to guard multiple positions.

As Memphis looks to build on its defensive identity, having a player like Jaren Jackson Jr. gives them a unique advantage. The Grizzlies can count on him to anchor their defense and provide the versatility needed to stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference.

Related: Zach Edey's mother reveals his childhood nickname: Little Buddha