Jay Huff is an intriguing addition for the Indiana Pacers, but he is not likely to be their long-term center of the future. Instead, with a solid campaign next season, he can solidify himself as the team's primary backup for when they find a better solution at center.
In a recent episode of the "Game Theory Podcast," Bryce Simon of Motor City Hoops said that, while he is a big fan of Huff in Indiana, he is not sure if he is the team's long-term solution. However, if the Virginia alum can perform well next season and establish himself as a legitimate contributor for the Pacers, he could become their backup for the long run.
"This is the perfect situation for him to go to for a year. I don't think Jay Huff's the long-term answer at center for the Indiana Pacers, but if you tell me he has a really good season where he averages double-digits, knocks down some threes and shoots a decent percentage, catches a bunch of lobs, offensive rebounds, and solidifies himself as the backup center in Indiana, that is the world I am living in for this upcoming season for Jay Huff and Indiana," Simon said.
Jay Huff can be a long-term player for the Pacers, with a caveat
There is a lot to like about Huff's potential fit in Indiana. Like Myles Turner (who he may eventually be the main replacement for), he can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and run the length of the court. This type of big man works well in Indiana's system, and that is likely exactly why the team acquired Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies in the offseason.
However, it is also important to temper expectations on Huff for a few obvious reasons.
Perhaps most importantly, it remains to be seen exactly what the North Carolina native can do in an expanded role. He looked good last season, but it was also the only time in his NBA career that he played any type of consistent role. The Pacers are going to be Huff's fifth team in as many seasons. Plus, last season was the first time he played more than 20 games in a season. Even then, he only played 20 or minutes in seven of them.
Huff is a player who can buy into his role and do it well. However, whether he can step up and be an important part of the Pacers' center committee remains to be seen.
Additionally, Huff's ceiling is much lower than the other big men on Indiana's roster, more specifically, Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, which may not bode well for him in the long run. He just turned 27 years old, and while he still fits Indiana's timeline, he does not have as much long-term value as the other two centers.
Regardless, when it comes to Huff, the pros significantly outweigh the cons. The 7-foot-1 big man is under contract through 2027-28 (team option), and he will have plenty of opportunities to prove that he can help the team compete for a championship. Plus, though it is a small sample size, Pacers fans should be excited about what Huff has shown throughout his NBA career up to this point.
Huff looks like he can be a very good player for the Pacers, but as it stands, there are few reasons to believe he is the team's best answer for replacing Turner. Regardless, he will have his chance to show out next season and potentially make an immediate impact in Indiana.