Q&A: Jaren Jackson Jr. says he and Dillon Brooks are ‘both’ Defensive Player of the Year candidates

Jackson: “We have a bunch of regular-season wins. Now we want a ring.”

All things considered, Jaren Jackson Jr. is doing pretty well right now.

Jackson, who obliterated the rim on a dunk during a win against the Lakers on Tuesday night, is in the midst of what could be a career-best season for the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies (37-23) have the second-best record in the Western Conference, and both Jackson and his teammate Ja Morant were All-Stars.

While he missed the first portion of the season due to injury and then became the subject of the dumbest controversy of the season, Jackson (-200) is now the frontrunner for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.

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Even though Morant has boldly claimed that the Grizzlies are the most hated team in the NBA, their team has also been one of the most exciting to watch so far this season.

Whether it’s because of on-court highlights or off-court drama, Memphis is thrilling. Jackson, without a doubt, plays an integral role in their identity and their success.

The big man recently caught up with For The Win via Zoom to discuss his season, his coaches, his teammates, his goals, and more.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.