Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. ran away with the Defensive Player of the Year award by the end of the 2022-23 season, as he averaged 3.0 blocks per game – the second straight season where he led the NBA in blocks per game.
JJJ is the favorite once again to win the award in the 2023-24 season, but he may not be as clear cut of a choice as you’d think.
There is one massive wrinkle to the Defensive Player of the Year award this season (and every award this season): the winner must play in at least 65 games because of the league’s new collective bargaining agreement.