If you only look at the box score after a Memphis Grizzlies game, you might think you’ve got Jaren Jackson Jr. all figured out. You see the 1.5 blocks, the 18.8 points, maybe a handful of rebounds. But honestly? Those numbers are kinda lying to you. Or at least, they aren't telling the whole story.
Being a "unicorn" in the NBA used to mean something specific, but for Jaren, it’s basically about being a defensive eraser who can also drill a wing three in transition. As of mid-January 2026, he’s putting up 18.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. On paper, those are solid All-Star caliber numbers. In reality, his impact on the floor is what keeps the Grizzlies' defensive identity from falling apart entirely.
He’s currently shooting 48.2% from the field and a very respectable 36.8% from deep. For a guy who stands 6'11" with a wingspan that seems to cover half the zip code, that spacing is a nightmare for opposing coaches.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Stats: The Defensive Reality
Most people look at Jaren Jackson Jr. stats and head straight for the blocks. He led the league back in 2023 with a wild 3.0 blocks per game, and while that number has settled into a more "modest" 1.5 blocks per game this 2025-26 season, don't let the drop-off fool you.
The stat sheet doesn't track "deterrence."
When Jaren is roaming the paint, players simply stop driving. They see those long arms and decide a contested mid-range jumper is a better life choice. According to recent tracking data, opponents are shooting just 41.1% when defended by Jackson. Even more impressive? He’s holding shooters to a measly 30.6% from beyond the arc. He isn't just a rim protector anymore; he’s a perimeter menace who can switch onto guards without breaking a sweat.
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The Foul Trouble Myth
For years, the knock on Jaren was that he couldn't stay on the floor. He'd pick up two fouls in the first three minutes and spend the half riding the pine.
Things have changed.
He’s averaging about 3.8 personal fouls per game right now. Is it high? Sure. But he’s playing over 30 minutes a night. He’s learned how to use his verticality without hacking. He's matured. You can see it in how he handles the "Berlin Game" against Orlando recently—30 points, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and only 3 fouls. That’s elite efficiency.
Scoring and Efficiency in 2026
Offensively, the "Trip" (as fans call him) is a different beast than he was three years ago. He isn't just waiting for Ja Morant to find him for a lob. He’s creating.
- Field Goal Percentage: 48.2%
- Three-Point Percentage: 36.8%
- Free Throw Percentage: 76.8%
- True Shooting (TS%): 57.1%
His usage rate is sitting at a heavy 29.9%. That means when Morant is out or resting, Jaren becomes the primary engine. We saw this in the January 15th loss to the Magic where he carried the load with 12-of-22 shooting. He’s taking about 4.6 threes per game, which is exactly what Memphis needs to keep the lane open for their slashers.
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What Most People Get Wrong About His Rebounding
Let’s be real: 5.5 rebounds per game for a 6'11" guy looks bad. If you're playing fantasy basketball, it's frustrating.
But watch the film.
Jaren is often the one boxing out the opponent's biggest body so that the Grizzlies' guards can swoop in for the board. His "contested rebound" rate is actually quite high, but his primary job is to be the help defender. When you're flying across the lane to contest a shot at the rim, you aren't in a great position to grab the miss. It’s a sacrifice that doesn't show up in the Jaren Jackson Jr. stats column, but it’s why his coaches love him.
Advanced Metrics and On-Off Impact
If you want to know how valuable Jaren is, look at the defensive rating. With him on the floor, the Grizzlies operate like a top-tier unit. When he sits? Everything gets a bit leaky.
His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) is currently hovering around 17.8, which is solid, but his Net Rating of +3.2 tells the real story. He makes the team better just by standing near the hoop.
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Why the 2025-26 Season is Different
This year feels like the "bridge" season for Jackson. He’s 26 now. He’s no longer the "young kid with potential." He’s a former Defensive Player of the Year in his prime.
The consistency is what stands out. Over his last 15 games, he’s been a multi-defensive-stat machine, recording at least one block or steal in nearly every outing. He’s even seen an uptick in playmaking, averaging 1.9 assists. It’s not Jokic-level, obviously, but it’s enough to keep the defense from doubling him blindly.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Analysts
If you are tracking Jaren's progress this season, keep these specific metrics in mind rather than just the PPG:
- Switchability: Watch how often he ends up defending a point guard at the end of the shot clock. If he's keeping them under 35% shooting on those possessions, Memphis wins.
- Corner Three Accuracy: His 36.8% from deep is great, but his accuracy from the corners is what really kills opposing zones.
- Stocks (Steals + Blocks): He’s currently averaging about 2.4 stocks per game. Anything above 2.0 puts him in the elite tier of two-way bigs.
To really get the most out of following Jaren this season, stop comparing him to traditional centers like Rudy Gobert or scoring bigs like Karl-Anthony Towns. He is a hybrid. He is a disruptor.
For your next move, I’d recommend checking the Grizzlies' injury report before every game. Jaren’s stats fluctuate wildly depending on whether Ja Morant is on the floor to draw the defense away. If Ja is out, expect Jaren's scoring to jump toward 25 points, but his efficiency might dip. If you're analyzing his "DPOY" chances, ignore the 1.5 blocks and look at the "Opponent FG% at the Rim." That is where the real trophies are won.