On April 18, Beijing time, the NBA officially announced that Grizzlies player Jalen Jackson Jr. was selected as the best defensive player of the year for the 2022-23 season, winning this award for the first time in his career. Jalen Jackson Jr. averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 3 blocks per game this season, ranking first in the league in blocks per game, and became the block king for two consecutive years. The Defensive Player of the Year award is now known as the "Olajuwon Award."
Jackson Jr. led with 391 points. Lopez scored 309 points and Mobley 101.
Previously, the NBA officially announced the three candidates for this award, in addition to Jaren Jackson Jr., there are Bucks' Lopez and the Cavaliers' Mobley. The data shows that Lopez averaged 15.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.5 blocks per game, and Mobley averaged 16.2 points, 9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 blocks and 0.8 steals per game. Lopez is also the number one player in total blocks this season, with a total of 193 blocks, and Jalen Jackson Jr. has a total of 189 blocks, tied for second place with the Nets' Claxton.
Jalen Jackson Jr. has played in 63 games this season, giving away at least five blocks in 14 games, and on December 13, 2022, against the Hawks, Jackson Jr. sent eight blocks, a career high.
The NBA has selected Defensive Player of the Year since the 1982-83 season, and Uncle Mu and Ben Wallace have both won four All-Time Defensive Player of the Year, tying for the first in history. Gobert and Howard are both three times, tied for third. Eaton, Leonard, Moncrieff, Morning, Olajuwon and Rodman are both two-time.
According to the official arrangement of the NBA, they will announce the ownership of the most critical player award at 7 a.m. Beijing time on April 19, the head coach of the year on April 20, and the sixth man of the year on April 21.
P.S. The winners of the previous Best Defensive Player are as follows -