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2 Grizzlies tabbed as contenders for illustrious NBA honor in 2023-24

By Mark Nilon

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts in the final minutes during a 112-103 Los Angeles Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on March 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts in the final minutes during a 112-103 Los Angeles Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on March 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Last season, the Memphis Grizzlies proved once again that they’re one of the most competent and well-rounded clubs in the association.

Though head coach Taylor Jenkins certainly deserves credit for their on-court production, like always, the bulk of attention seems to have been drawn toward the players, and last season the team had several individuals who earned major accreditations for their top-flight productivity.

Perhaps most noteworthy of the accolade receivers from 2022-23 was Jaren Jackson Jr., who not only managed to nab his first All-Star nod for his efforts but also took home the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Now heading into 2023-24, it appears the big man has a great chance of reclaiming such honors, specifically the latter as ESPN recently predicted that he’ll once again be taking home the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy come year’s end.

Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. predicted to win 2024 DPOY

"“Our panel believes the Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. will claim his second consecutive DPOY award. The 2023 All-Star headlined the league’s All-Defensive first team and led the NBA in blocks per game (3.0),” the ESPN staff wrote."

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1628928078629027841?s=20

Along with Jackson and his 30.8 percent share of predicted first-place votes, newly acquired Grizzlies teammate Marcus Smart is also viewed as a realistic candidate for the illustrious moniker, as he slotted in tied with Cleveland Cavaliers stud Evan Mobely for fourth in the race with 7.7 percent of the votes.

Both are the two most recent recipients of DPOY and, with this studly union, Jenkins’ rotation will now have arguably the game’s best backcourt defender as well as the best frontcourt defender in tow which, in turn, will automatically put them in the conversation of top defensive tandem in the association, regardless of who, if any of them, takes home the storied award.

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