CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cavs center Evan Mobley is such a lock for Defensive Player of the Year that even Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr., Mobley’s top competition for the award, will argue Mobley’s case.
I’m not sure Jackson knows he did it, but after the Cavs beat Memphis about two weeks ago, I asked the former DPOY two questions that could determine the award this season.
Jackson answered honestly, which is to say he sent the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy to Mobley’s address. The Memphis big man (ankle sprain) won’t play in Friday’s rematch between the Cavs and the Grizzlies, but he doesn’t need to.
The voters have already seen and heard enough.
Question one: How important is rebounding to defense?
“Oh, it’s huge,” Jackson said then. “It’s the (possession) finisher, it’s the last part of it. If you give that up, you don’t reward your team for playing our defense for 24 seconds.”
Glad we understand each other. Because Jackson is one of the worst rebounders at his size and position in NBA history. Specifically, only 24 centers 6-foot-10 or taller have ever grabbed 4.5 defensive rebounds per game or fewer while playing at least 29.8 minutes, as Jackson is doing this season.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins will tell you this is because Jackson plays alongside 7-4 giant Zach Edey. And frankly, Jenkins deems it silly to dwell on Jackson’s rebounding when the big man is so talented in other areas.
“We can’t just nitpick one thing,” Jenkins said last month.
In most cases, I would agree. But when comparing award resumes, nitpicking is part of the process. And when comparing Jackson’s rebounding (read: defensive finishing) ability to Mobley’s (seven defensive rebounds per game), it’s not close.
The same goes for Jackson’s personal foul propensity (3.4 per game), which ranks fourth worst in the NBA. Am I being too harsh?
Let’s frame it this way: Jackson is playing the best season of his career. Never scored more (22.7 points per game) or been more valuable to Memphis' defense (7.7 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court). It would be nice if Jackson could play more minutes. Why is 30 per game so much to ask?
Because he can’t stop fouling. Again, to be fair, Jackson has committed fewer fouls per game this season than at any point of his pro career. But he’s still committed the fourth-most fouls (and fouls per game) in the league this season. He still fouled out of four games (Memphis lost three of those). And when Jackson sits, as he does for 19 minutes per night on average, Memphis' defense suffers.
Question 2: How important is staying out of foul trouble?
“If you (foul), you’re not on the floor to play defense,” Jackson said.
Well said. Which is why, among Mobley’s many impressive defensive metrics, two fouls per game stand apart. Both the Cavs and Grizzlies design their defense to filter ball handlers toward their elite rim protectors. But Mobley defends 7.3 shots per game attempted six feet from the rim or closer (where most big man fouls occur), while Jackson defends 4.9. And Jackson still fouls 58% more often than Mobley.
Jackson has fouled out of as many games this season (four) as Mobley has his entire career.
Call it discipline, or pacifism, or a friendly whistle if you prefer. But I prefer the term “good defense.” When Jackson fouls, he either resets the shot clock, sends opponents to the free throw line or limits his playing time. Because Mobley doesn’t, the Cavs can always count on his defensive talents.
Still waiting to cast your vote? Be mindful. The DPOY deadline is only weeks away. Would hate for voters to miss it, unless Jackson is patrolling the ballot box.
In which case, he’ll probably give them a second chance.