NBA award-winner claims he improved on the court by playing video games

16 July 2023 , 18:13

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Jaren Jackson Jr. is a keen NBA 2K gamer and believes it has helped his performances on the court (Image: Getty Images)

Jaren Jackson Jr. believes playing NBA 2K on the PlayStation led him to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2022/23 season.

The Memphis Grizzlies power forward emerged as one of the best interior defenders in the league, averaging 2.0 blocks last season. He averaged 18.6 points per game as well as 6.8 rebounds as the Grizzlies finished second in the Western Conference with a 51-31 record.

After missing the beginning of the season due to an injury, Jackson quickly emerged as a key member of the Grizzlies' young and promising team, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. Due to his combination of size and outstanding shot-blocking skills, he dominates the paint as Memphis' defensive anchor.

Despite his physical gifts, Jackson admitted to an unexpected source of inspiration from NBA 2K. The 23-year-old believes he has improved his shot-blocking ability and timing by playing the video game in a an unexpected revelation.

“You gotta want it a little bit, it takes a lot of endurance to play both ends, especially if you have responsibilities on offense,” Jackson told ESPN during the Grizzlies’ Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Las Vegas. “You gotta want to stop your defender as bad as he wants to score on you and that's how I feel.

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“When it comes to timing and stuff, I've always said my timing came from 2K, playing a lot of 2K.”

The 6'11" star believes instinct and courage are the two most important factors when it comes to shot-blocking. He added: “Video games definitely helped me win [Defensive Player of the Year].”

Jaren Jackson Jr. has emerged as one of the NBA's premier shot-blockers (Getty Images)

Jackson is coming off a career year in his fifth season in the league, establishing himself as one of the top players in the NBA en route to his first All-Star berth. It is not the first time Jackson has credited 2K for his play during an appearance on Paul George’s ‘Podcast P’, explaining why gaming has helped.

“I feel like I get my timing from 2K, and I’m being serious,” Jackson said. “It’s really all about; it’s a lot of instincts; you can’t be afraid. Especially, I’ve had my string of foul trouble, like just going for everything. I think when I was like first year in the league, I was swiping a lot more, not picking my spots as well.

“You know I started picking my spots better; I would just wall up, and at the end, I’d find an opportunity to block a shot rather than dudes running at me, and I’m just trying to wind up. It doesn’t work like that. It’s really about being patient and waiting until the last moment.”

Andrew Gamble