When the Utah Jazz acquired Jaren Jackson Jr., it was an unprecedented move because it hasn't been like them to acquire such a big name, especially at mid-season. However, two games into the season, JJJ has already proven why the Jazz went all-in for him: his defense.
Since trading Rudy Gobert, the Jazz's defense hasn't just been subpar. It's been downright terrible. Despite employing Walker Kessler, Utah has consistently been one of the worst defenses for the last four years. Two games in, Jackson has changed that.
Of course, it's a small sample size, but the results are pretty difficult to argue against (besides the fact that they haven't faced the toughest competition). When he's on the floor, the Jazz's defense is elite.
Per NBA.com, Utah's defense allows 95.7 points per 100 possessions, which is excellent, and because their defense has been terrible overall pre-Jackson, it stands out even more. That's not the only data that supports how fantastic he has been on that side of the floor.
In 2 games with Jaren Jackson Jr., the Utah Jazz have:
— Eric Spyropoulos (@EricSpyroNBA) February 10, 2026
- Held the Magic to a 105.3 offensive rating
- Held the Heat to a 108.8 offensive rating
(league average ORTG is 115.5)
If that's not enough, his individual defense against Bam Adebayo last night speaks volumes.
Bam Adebayo scored 9 points over the first 30 minutes of the game when Jaren Jackson Jr. was in the rotation.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) February 10, 2026
He poured in 14 points over the final 18 after Jackson Jr. was pulled. https://t.co/OEpEkiI9Xm
Add in what he brings offensively, and it only further reinforces the notion that this was a home run for the Jazz. They acquired a former Defensive Player of the Year who is only just entering his prime. That's the kind of players Utah has desperately needed once they sent Gobert out of town.
It's fair to say that if there was a player in the entire NBA who fit the Jazz's long-term needs best, it was JJJ.
He & Kessler should make the Jazz's defense impenetrable
Making things even more exciting is the fact that next season, Jackson should be paired with Kessler, who provides the Jazz with rim protection and rebounding. Two players don't automatically make an elite defense, but it's fair to suggest that Jackson and Kessler together will be a Batman & Robin duo that should restore Utah's defensive identity.
Kessler's bread and butter is his rim protection while Jackson can do the same but is also just as tough to beat on the perimeter. Jackson's only weakness on that side of the floor is his tendency to draw fouls. Even so, Kessler should be able to help ease Jackson's role on defense.
The Jazz will need more than just them if they are serious about competing in the war zone of the Western Conference, but as far as two-man foundations go, there might not be one that on paper can do more than Jackson and Kessler can.
Now Utah will definitely have to make sure they keep Kessler (it would be the surprise of the century if they didn't), but once they know he's back, they have their best defensive duo in franchise history. They've had some of the league's best defenders in years' past - Gobert, Mark Eaton, Andrei Kirilenko - but two of them?
Not only should this be fun, but it could be historic.