The Jaren Jackson Jr. File
- 4th Overall Pick in the 2018 NBA Draft
- First Team All-Rookie, 2018-19
- First Team All-Defense, 2021-22
- League leader in blocks (177), 2021-22
- 2016-17 McDonald's All American
- Nicknamed "JJJ" or "Block Panther"
Representing the Defense
Jaren Jackson Jr. is known as being one of the foundational pieces that led to the Memphis Grizzlies turnaround. The former fourth overall pick has made a name for himself in the NBA though as a defensive stopper. The big man's defense has earned him recognition as one of the best defenders in the league, a blocks champion, and even consideration for Defensive Player of the Year. Although maybe that was always his destiny.
Jackson's father was an NBA player as well, Jaren Jackson the original, played for the San Antonio Spurs and it was his success in the league that made it a logical path forward for his son. So where does the defense come from? Well, that might be from his mother's side of things. Her background in law is something that she believed could be an option for her son in case the NBA never came calling. Naturally, Jackson still works at the courts, just not one of law.
Off the court, music fans might want to take a listen to a rap album he debuted in February 2022. The album, "Suddenly," contains seven tracks which were recorded at the big man's home studio.