DPOY Jackson Jr. Headlines First Team, Brooks Named Second Team
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. was named to the 2022-23 Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team and wing Dillon Brooks was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, the league announced today. This marks the second career All-Defensive selection for Jackson Jr., who received First Team honors for the second consecutive season, and the first career selection for Brooks.
The 2022-23 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson Jr. headlined the NBA All-Defensive First Team with a league-leading 195 points (96 First Team votes), while Brooks received 54 points (4 First Team votes) from a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters. Players were awarded two points for each vote to the First Team and one point for each vote to the Second Team.
Jackson Jr. (6-11, 252) led the NBA in blocks per game (3.0) and block percentage (9.6) for the second straight season and tied for second in the league in total blocks (189). The 23-year-old, who became the second-youngest player in NBA history to be named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, surpassed his own single-season franchise records in all three categories while also posting 1.0 steals and a career-high 5.0 defensive rebounds per game.
Brooks (6-6 ½, 220) held opponents to shooting percentages 3.0% lower compared to other defenders, the best mark among perimeter players this season. The 27-year-old also recorded a 108.5 defensive rating, which ranked sixth in the NBA among players who averaged at least 30 minutes per game.
Jackson Jr. is joined on the 2022-23 Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team by Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley and Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso.
Joining Brooks on the Second Team are Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo.