Offensive Game
Very limited scorer. Can finish at the rim on cuts and putbacks. No reliable jump shot. Value comes entirely from energy and defense.
Career Journey
Denver Nuggets
2018-2020
Minnesota Timberwolves
2020-2023
Los Angeles Lakers
2023-present
2018 NBA Draft
Selected 41st overall by Orlando Magic, traded to Denver
Elite Rebounder
One of the best rebounding forwards in the league pound-for-pound
Defensive Versatility
Can guard positions 1 through 5 — switchable defender
Career Earnings
~$50M
Estimated total NBA career salary
| Season | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 65 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 1.3 | 47.1% | 29.3% |
Jarred Vanderbilt is a high-energy defensive forward whose value comes from rebounding, versatility and relentless activity rather than scoring. A second-round pick out of Kentucky in 2018, he carved out a role as an elite per-minute rebounder and multi-positional defender, earning a spot with the Los Angeles Lakers after a 2023 trade. Injuries and a crowded frontcourt limited him to a smaller role in 2025-26 — 4.4 points and 4.5 rebounds a game — but his defense and hustle keep him in the rotation when available. Vanderbilt is the kind of connective, do-the-dirty-work piece that helps winning teams, guarding bigger players and creating extra possessions.
Offensive Game
Very limited scorer. Can finish at the rim on cuts and putbacks. No reliable jump shot. Value comes entirely from energy and defense.
Defensive Game
Elite switchable defender who can guard 1-through-4. Extremely active hands and feet. One of the best hustle defenders in the league.
Intangibles
Excellent understanding of defensive rotations. Knows his role and maximizes it. Smart positional rebounder.
Personal Life & Family
Status
Single
Parents & Siblings
Off the Court
Houston youth athletics
Kentucky basketball alumni events
Did You Know?
Consistently ranks at the top of the NBA in hustle stats — deflections, loose balls recovered, and contested shots.
Was teammates with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at Kentucky — both were drafted in 2018.
His relentless energy earned him the nickname 'Vando' — he plays every possession like it's the last.
Went from a second-round pick to earning a significant NBA contract purely through effort and defense — a model for hustle players everywhere.
Career Honors
41st overall pick (2018)
Consistently ranks among NBA hustle stat leaders
Key defender in Lakers' 2023 WCF run
Official Jerseys
107.00
Check Price on NBA Store
78.75
Check Price on NBA StoreLos Angeles Lakers · Official
89.99
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
168.75
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
105.00
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
224.99
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
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