Jackson Jr. and Smart, who won the best defense award, will play on the same team.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (211cm, F) has been highly anticipated since her debut season with her excellent defense and shooting 먹튀검증skills. However, she showed poor foul control, committing 3.8 fouls per game. The same was true for her second year. Nevertheless, Jackson Jr.’s defensive influence grew more and more.
Jackson Jr. played his best performance after his debut in the 2022-2023 season. He was very active in the air defense, averaging 18.6 points and 6.8 rebounds for the season, 35% 3-point shooting success rate, and 3 blocked shots. This played a big role in the Memphis Grizzlies’ second-place finish. Recognized for his performance, Jackson Jr. was named Defensive Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, Memphis, where Jackson Jr. belongs, had a busy offseason. Through a trade, he acquired Marcus Smart (190cm, G), the leader of the Boston Celtics. Smart, like Jackson Jr., has experience winning the Defensive Player of the Year award. Two defenders of the year met.
In response, Jackson Jr. opened his mouth. Jackson Jr. said in an interview with ‘ESPN’s Tim Bontemp, “I’m really excited to play with Smart. After the trade he texted him. It’s good to play with a player who is good at offense and defense, and who has competed at a champion level,” he said.
Continued “I know what smart brings to a team. His passion, heart, fighting spirit, and basketball IQ can be influential in many areas. In particular, he knows the hearts of the players well. He was the locker room leader for a long time. He will be the leader of our team.”
Smart took center stage as a team leader during his time in Boston. Smart’s leadership has helped Boston’s players grow. Now it’s smart to make an impact in Memphis, not Boston.