Image Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending injury helps Grizzlies star to get massive contract in NBA history

Wembanyama's injury forced him to fall well short of the 65-game threshold necessary to be eligible for the DOPY award.

Image Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Wembanyama‘s season-ending injury offered a huge opportunity to the Memphis Grizzlies star, Jaren Jackson Jr, who could land a massive contract this summer. Wembanyama‘s injury has also opened the Defensive Player of the Year race.

San Antonio center was the frontrunner to win the DPOY award but his injury made him ineligible. Jaren Jackson Jr. is now back in the race and looks favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. The 25-year-old has helped the Memphis Grizzlies to take the second spot in the Western Conference.

Because of the season ending injury, Victor Wembanyama will not be eligible for postseason honors.

Wembanyama was a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year honors.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 20, 2025

Also Read:

How winning the DPOY will help Jaren Jackson to get big contract?

Jaren Jackson will be eligible for a super-max extension worth around $345 million if he wins the DPOY award or gets a selection for the All-NBA team. He can at least fulfil one option to bag a massive contract in the offseason.

One could also be eligible for super-max extension if the player makes an All-NBA team in the two preceding years, wins the DPOY award in the two preceding years, or gets named MVP in any of the last three seasons.

The 2022-23 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr.!#KiaDPOY | @Kia pic.twitter.com/iLTWpSSfEq
— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2023

If Jaren Jackson fails to win the DOPY award, the Memphis star can at least find a place in the All-NBA team. The two-time All-Star has appeared in 53 games in the regular season and he can easily play 12 more to be eligible for postseason awards. If he fails to earn any of the necessary distinctions set by the NBA, the Memphis star would only be eligible for a $147 million veteran extension this summer.

Wemby has played 46 games before facing an unfortunate injury and it will force him to fall well short of the 65-game threshold necessary to be eligible for NBA awards.

Memphis Grizzlies have the seventh-best defensive rating in the NBA this season. They are allowing 111.1 points per 100 possessions. Jaren Jackson is averaging 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. His impressive defense has helped Memphis to post 37-19 on the season.

Image Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Jaren Jackson

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.