There's a lot to like about Jaren Jackson Jr.'s fit with the Utah Jazz. He's a two-time All-Star, has plenty of playoff experience, has won Defensive Player of the Year, has made two All-Defense teams, and has a unique skillset as a rim protector and three-point shooter. In all fairness, with everything that happened in Memphis, he has something to prove.
Even though everyone knows the full extent of how good Jaren Jackson Jr. is (and he knows how good the Jazz can be this season), the last time he played for a team that did something in the playoffs was four years ago.
Despite his reputation, JJJ isn't getting the praise for his defense that he used to. On the "Game Theory Podcast" with Sam Vecenie and Bryce Simon, JJJ came 21st in their list of the NBA's top 25 defenders.
Simons listed Jackson's flaws, including as a defensive rebounder, his fouling, and his perimeter defense.
(43:24 mark)
These are valid concerns from Simon, as Jackson is four years removed from winning DPOY. Making it tougher is that he lost someone who could have been an integral partner-in-crime on that end of the floor: Walker Kessler.
Because the Grizzlies not only didn't take the next step many thought they would with JJJ, but also fell quite hard, it's no surprise his defense doesn't get the respect it once did, but that can change in Utah.
Putting him at No. 21 is harsh, but it is necessary because
JJJ must simply re-assert his defensive presence
Utah's not expected to be among the title contenders, but they're not too far off from being one. Part of that is going to be how Jackson fares in his new role with the team. We saw glimpses of the player he could and likely will be as a Jazzman. With a clean bill of health, he simply has to re-establish just how valuable he is on the defensive end.
More than that, his efforts will have to turn into wins. Utah has some quality players to put next to JJJ, but it's on those same players to make the chemistry work. There's a reason why, until further notice, we have to include "on paper" when discussing how good the Jazz could be this season.
It's worth mentioning again that the Jazz's playoff hopes will also depend on their overall defense, not just him. He may have his peak defensive season, but if everyone else isn't exactly holding their end, his defense may not get the praise it deserves, even if he plays at the level he did when he won Defensive Player of the Year.
Whether it does or doesn't, JJJ just got the best bulletin board material to return to form this coming season, which could be fantastic news for the Jazz.
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