The Grizzlies' leader in points, steals, blocks, and minutes played is having the best season of his seven-year career. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging career-highs in points and steals while fouling at the lowest rate of his career (3.2 fouls per game).
His ascension this season was one that the fanbase saw coming after being a lone wolf in the Grizzlies' injury-riddled 2023-23 season. All of the improvements he worked on his game during that season have carried over into this season but more efficiently on the offensive end.
His defense remains one of the best in the league as the former Defensive Player of the Year ranks third in 2024-25 FanDuel Sportsbook in Defensive Player of the Year odds at +1200. He only trails San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (-340) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (+900).
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić continue to lead their respective conferences in the second fan returns of #NBAAllStar Voting presented by AT&T.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 9, 2025
Fans account for 50% of the vote to decide All-Star starters. Players and a media panel account for 25% each.
Next fan update:… pic.twitter.com/oQvm99AmE5
While Jaren Jackson Jr. is enjoying an impressive season on both ends of the court, his popularity is lacking as the former NBA All-Star ranked 10th in the first two All-Star fan voting returns for Western Conference frontcourt members. This means Jackson Jr.'s chance at becoming an All-Star hinges on a reserve spot by coaches vote.
The Case to make for Jaren Jackson Jr.'s All -Star campaign
Jaren Jackson Jr. was named the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for December. He guided Memphis to a 10-4 record in December (second in the West), was the only player in the NBA to record 20+ steals and 20+ blocks that month, and held individual opponents 9.4 percentage points below their regular shooting averages, which was the best-defended field goal percentage differential in the league.
Memphis Grizzlies forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Evan Mobley have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Defensive Players of the Month, respectively, for games played in December. pic.twitter.com/jHxsahOy8F
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 2, 2025
He remains one of only three players in the NBA to lead his team in points, steals, and blocks. Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are the only other players currently leading his team in all three categories this season.
The Grizzlies are currently ranked third in the Western Conference standings and Jaren Jackson Jr. provides the best opportunity for the team to have an All-Star. Ja Morant's case is dwindling due to time missed and being ranked 7th in the fan voting returns for Western Conference backcourt members.
With only 12 spots open for making the Western Conference All-Star team Jaren Jackson Jr. will likely compete with Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams for a frontcourt spot. The case is made for Jaren Jackson Jr. to make his second All-Star appearance and is expected for the Grizzlies' star big man.