Week 20 NBA DPOY Ladder: A new face tops the rankings

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 15: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 15, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Week 20 NBA DPOY Ladder: A new face tops the rankings. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Week 20 NBA DPOY Ladder: 4. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies.

Rank last week: 1

A lot of people probably think it was wild to have Jaren Jackson Jr. as number one on the Defensive Player of the Year ladder last week, but it’s a decision that will fully be backed up.

Up to that point, Jackson was the most impressive defender on a top-10 defense that was also one of the best teams in the league. Plus, he was (and still is) the league leader in blocks by a landslide.

It doesn’t get much more impressive than that, and in all honesty, there’s still a case to be had that he should be much higher up on the ladder this week.

However, even though the Grizzlies are now officially the second-seed in the West, other players in the race for DPOY have simply stepped up their games in a big way.

Don’t look at Jackson’s rank this week as him falling down the ladder. Look at it as others climbing up the ladder, and Jackson simply being forced to move out of the way as a result.

What Jackson is able to accomplish on the defensive side of the ball is amazing. His innate shot-blocking ability is incredible, and very few people in the league can replicate it. (Although some of them might just be on this list.)

So for now, Jackson falls to fourth in the NBA DPOY Ladder, but don’t lose track of him. There’s a good chance he could be back on the rise very soon.