Jaren Jackson Jr. is second Memphis Grizzlies player named to NBA All-Defensive first team

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. became the second player in franchise history to be named to the NBA's All-Defensive first team.

Jackson led the NBA and set the Grizzlies franchise records in blocks (177) and blocks per game (2.27). He joins Tony Allen as the only Grizzlies player named to first team All-Defense. Allen was named to All- three times. 

Jackson was joined on the first team by Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics), Mikal Bridges (Phoenix Suns), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) and Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz). Jackson received the lowest votes total of the five players. He edged out Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo by one point. Adebayo had two more first-team votes, but Jackson's five more votes on the second team were the difference. 

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The Grizzlies had one of the NBA's best defenses that was paced by leading the NBA in blocks and steals. Jackson started a career-high 78 games as a consistent defensive enforcer. 

Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc