- Jaren Jackson Jr. could qualify for the supermax by winning the 2024 DPOY award
- Jackson Jr. won the DPOY award in 2023
- The 65-game minimum for awards could be a problem for the big man
Forward Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of the best defensive players in the NBA and is clearly one of the faces of the Memphis Grizzlies. He is one of the best shot-blockers in the league and notably won the 2023 DPOY award.
In the NBA, player salaries are consistently going up, and it seems as though Jaren Jackson Jr. could become eligible for a huge payday next season. It was recently revealed that Jackson Jr. could become eligible for a five-year $318 million supermax contract if he wins another DPOY award in 2024.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is eligible for a 5-year, $318M Supermax extension if he wins DPOY again next season, per @BobbyMarks42 pic.twitter.com/rEabZilsVR
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 17, 2023
There is no doubt that $318 million is a life-changing amount of money, and we will see if Jaren Jackson Jr. can get another DPOY award next season. His shot-blocking numbers and overall impact for the Memphis Grizzlies will certainly put him in the conversation. One key thing to watch is the 65-game minimum requirement for awards overall, as Jaren Jackson Jr. has never hit that mark before.
This past season, Jaren Jackson Jr. averaged 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks while shooting 35.5% from 3PT range. He is clearly an All-Star-level talent, and we’ll see if he can remain dominant defensively next season.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Wants To Remain Aggressive On Defense Despite Foul Trouble
One of Jaren Jackson Jr.’s biggest weaknesses is his consistently being in foul trouble. He led the league in personal fouls per game, with 3.6. Despite this, Jaren Jackson Jr. clapped back at suggestions that he needs to be less aggressive defensively and noted that this is what allows him to be great.
“Go get it, man,” he continued. “It comes with it. If I’m gonna be less aggressive, I’m gonna have less blocks, I’m gonna bring less rim protection, and I’ma have less fouls with all that. Pick one or the other. Which one do you want? Do you want me to be great or not?”
Though it is true that being aggressive is what helps Jaren Jackson Jr. be elite on the defensive end, there are clearly times when he hurts his team by not being able to stay on the court due to foul trouble. It is likely that this issue will go away with experience though, and we’ll see how well Jaren Jackson Jr. plays defensively next season.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Believes Getting Humbled In The Playoffs Was The Best Thing For The Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies fell short in the playoffs this season, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. However, every good team has had to fail to succeed. In fact, Jaren Jackson Jr. believes that getting humbled in the playoffs will unlock success for the Grizzlies.
“I think getting humbled was the best thing for us. I think it’s gonna make us way more hungry like we were three years ago when there was no expectation on anything. We got leveled at the end of the year.”
Hopefully, we see the Memphis Grizzlies come in more motivated than ever. Ja Morant will be suspended for 25 games next season, and it will be up to Jaren Jackson Jr. to lead the team to success during that time. It is clear that he is up for the challenge, and perhaps we’ll finally see the Grizzlies make a deep run next season.
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