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Jaren Jackson Jr, a highly regarded prospect, was selected as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. He gained recognition for his shot-blocking abilities and earned the nickname “block panther.” In an interview with an All-Star player, Jackson shared the story behind the nickname and explained the role his mother played in the process.

Jaren Jackson Jr has had a remarkable regular season, showcasing his skills with impressive averages. His outstanding performance led to his selection for the NBA All-Star game this year. Alongside the controversial Ja Morant, Jackson has become a reliable player within the Grizzlies organization. In December of the previous year, he even achieved a career-high of 8 blocks in a single game. It is possible that his impressive shot-blocking abilities, which earned him the nickname “block panther,” played a role in this achievement.

Jaren Jackson Jr. reveals how he got his nickname

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Jaren Jackson Jr. is widely recognized as one of the top defensive players in the league. This season, he achieved the esteemed title of ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ while also earning an All-Star selection. His exceptional defensive skills led to him being dubbed as the ‘Block Panther.’ Jackson has openly shared insights into how he acquired this nickname, shedding light on the process behind it.

USA Today via Reuters

In an interview with Paul George, Jaren Jackson Jr. shared, “My mom really came up with it, I feel like she did it like last year. I wasn’t really fond of it. The movie just came out, Black Panther movie, she was just being a mom.” He further explained, “She introduced it to my team before she brought it to me.” Jackson Jr. revealed that his mother was the one who suggested the nickname ‘Block Panther’ for him. Initially, he didn’t embrace the name, but eventually, it grew on him. The inspiration for the nickname came from the highly successful Black Panther movie, starring the late Chadwick Boseman, which grossed over a billion dollars worldwide.

A few weeks back, Jaren Jackson Jr. stunned the Grizzlies fan base as he tweeted a cryptic statement.

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Jaren Jackson Jr. breaks the internet

Jaren Jackson Jr. caused a stir among Memphis fans when he posted a cryptic statement on Twitter, saying, “Memphis I’m forever grateful.” This led fans to speculate that the reigning Defensive Player of the Year might be saying goodbye to the city and the Grizzlies organization.

READ MORE: Unfortunate Personal News for Jimmy Butler Comes to Light, Haunts Miami Heat Championship Hopes, as Per Reports

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The tweet sparked a frenzy among the fans, fearing the worst. However, Jackson later clarified the intention behind his tweet, putting their worries to rest.

WATCH THIS STORY: Ja Morant gets a stern lesson from Shaquille O’Neal.