Jay Huff’s Emergence Gives the Pacers a Glimpse of Their Future - But Is He the Long-Term Answer?
When Myles Turner packed his bags for Milwaukee this past offseason, the Indiana Pacers had a gaping hole in the middle - one that required more than just a body to fill. They needed a rim protector, a floor spacer, and someone who could keep up with their breakneck tempo.
Enter Jay Huff, fresh off a stint with the Grizzlies and looking for a real shot. After a slow start in Indiana, the 27-year-old big man is starting to make a case that he might be more than just a stopgap - he might be the guy.
Over his last seven games, Huff has been quietly productive and increasingly impactful. He’s averaging 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and an eye-popping 3.3 blocks per game.
He’s doing it efficiently, too - shooting 50.8% from the field and 41.5% from deep. Stretch bigs like Huff are rare, and this kind of two-way versatility is exactly what the Pacers’ system thrives on.
He currently leads the league in blocks per game with 2.3, a stat that speaks to his growing presence as a defensive anchor.
On paper, Huff checks a lot of the same boxes Turner did: rim protection, shooting range, and enough mobility to run the floor. But there’s one major difference - he’s significantly cheaper and two years younger. That matters for a team like Indiana that’s trying to build smart and sustainably around its young core.
Still, Huff’s emergence hasn’t translated to wins just yet. The Pacers sit at 4-17, only a game ahead of the Washington Wizards near the bottom of the standings.
That’s not on Huff, though. This season was never about contending - not without Tyrese Haliburton, who’s still working his way back.
The real evaluation begins next year, when expectations rise and the Pacers shift back into playoff mode.
So the big question is: Can Jay Huff be the starting center on a team with real title aspirations?
It’s not a simple yes or no - but let’s lean toward yes, and here’s why.
At his worst, Huff can disappear on offense when his shot isn’t falling, and outside of his shot-blocking, he’s not always the most dynamic defender. He’s not the quickest guy on the floor, and when the game speeds up, he can struggle to keep up. But that’s not the version we’ve seen lately.
At his best, Huff is a legitimate two-way contributor. He spaces the floor with confidence, protects the rim with timing and length, and has started to show more awareness on the defensive end - calling out switches, helping on doubles, and anchoring the paint.
His mobility has improved, and he’s looking more fluid in Carlisle’s system. That’s no small thing for a guy who was fighting for a roster spot not long ago.
“He’s made great progress, and he’s a terrific kid,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said recently. “He’s certainly been a big part of it with his ability to stretch the floor.”
Translation: Huff is doing what the Pacers hoped he would - and maybe a little more.
But the sample size is still small. Can he sustain this production over a full season?
Can he hold his own against the league’s elite bigs when it matters most - in the playoffs, when every possession is magnified? That’s the test.
And it’s a big one.
If the answer is yes, then Indiana may have struck gold. A cost-effective, floor-spacing, shot-blocking big who fits seamlessly into their system?
That’s a rare find. But if Huff can’t maintain this level or elevate it when the stakes rise, the Pacers will be back to square one - looking for another piece to complete their puzzle.
The encouraging part? Huff looks more comfortable each night.
He’s playing with confidence, his teammates are trusting him, and he’s doing all this without Haliburton - the engine of Indiana’s offense. Once Haliburton returns, Huff’s life should get a whole lot easier.
More open looks, more lob opportunities, and more chances to thrive in transition.
Jay Huff needed a chance. Now that he’s got it, he’s showing why he might be more than just a short-term solution. If he keeps trending upward, don’t be surprised if he’s starting at center in meaningful playoff games - maybe even on the biggest stage.