The Indiana Pacers are facing a critical question about Jay Huff’s role on the team moving forward. After Myles Turner’s unexpected departure to the Milwaukee Bucks, Huff was brought in from the Memphis Grizzlies as a potential replacement.
Initially, Huff’s start with the Pacers was uneven, but he has recently emerged as a key contributor on both offense and defense. In his last seven games, Huff is averaging 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 3.3 blocks per game. He also shoots 50.8% from the field and 41.5% from three-point range, leading the league with 2.3 blocks per game.
On paper, Huff fits the profile Pacers need: a stretch big man who can protect the rim and run the floor. He is two years younger than Turner and carries a much cheaper contract, making the move financially advantageous. However, despite his individual progress, the Pacers’ record stands at 4-17, hovering just ahead of the NBA’s second-worst team.
Head coach Rick Carlisle praised Huff’s development, noting, “He’s made great progress, and he’s a terrific kid. He’s certainly been a big part of it with his ability to stretch the floor.” Huff has shown both strengths and weaknesses, being a defensive force when blocking shots but occasionally a limited factor outside that skill.
The key question for the Pacers is whether Huff can sustain his current level of play over a full season and perform against the league’s best big men regularly. With star guard Tyrese Haliburton expected back next season, the team’s ceiling will rise; they need to determine if Huff can be a long-term starter on a championship-caliber team.
If Huff can maintain his trajectory, the Pacers may have found a valuable Turner replacement and a future cornerstone. If not, Indiana faces the prospect of searching for a new big man once again to return to title contention. This question remains one only Huff can answer through consistent performance moving forward.
Read more at: 8points9seconds.com
