Jaren Jackson Jr. wins the Defensive Player of the Year award / News - Basketnews.com

Jackson Jr. averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 1 steal per game for the team this regular season.

Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP - Scanpix Credit Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP - Scanpix

After weeks of discussion both on the internet and in the media circles, the first award of the 2022-23 NBA season has been given.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

MIN:28.52PTS:18.81 (58.42%)REB:6.73As:1ST:1.03BL:2.98TO:1.69GM:64ProfileNBA2022/2023

Memphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. has been named the Defensive Player of the Year.

Jackson Jr. averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 1 steal per game for the team this regular season.

The center got international media attention when a Redditor shared a conspiracy theory about Grizzlies potentially boosting Jackson Jr.'s defensive stats at home in order to help him win the DPOY trophy.

Even though it got the attention of both the NBA and the betting companies, it was later debunked.

Per Cleaning the Glass, Jackson ranks in the 99th percentile in block percentage and 87th percentile in steals percentage. When he's on the court, the Grizzlies allow 5.5 points less per 100 possessions (90th percentile) and their opponents' true shooting percentage drops by 4.0% (95th percentile).

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