Shortly after Myles Turner signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Indiana Pacers acquired Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies. Following Turner's departure, the Pacers are likely going to run a center-by-committee with Isaiah Jackson likely being the main guy. Only time will tell whether this is the right move or not, but on paper, it would not be a shock if Huff eventually becomes that guy.
Huff has not had a lot of run in the NBA. He has appeared in 95 games for four teams across the last four seasons. However, his tenure in Memphis last year looked very promising.
There is a lot to like about the North Carolina native. He can stretch the floor and provide defensive value, much like Turner did, and he is on a very team-friendly deal. Furthermore, Huff is going to be just 27 years old in August and can be a long-term contributor in Indiana. Perhaps most importantly, however, is that he has a very similar playstyle to Turner, even if it is not at as high a level.
The Pacers might not be able to find a one-for-one replacement for their long-time center. However, as next year progresses, there might be one player who stands above the rest, and there is reason to believe that Huff will be that player.
Jay Huff should be ready to take on a bigger role
Last season, Huff played just seven games where he logged 20 or more minutes. In those games, he averaged 14.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.9 blocks. There are reasons to believe he is ready for a bigger role, and playing for Indiana might be the perfect situation for him to make that happen.
The Pacers' center situation is a very interesting one. On one hand, they have multiple players who can provide value in their own ways. Beyond Huff and Jackson, the Pacers also have James Wiseman and Tony Bradley on the roster. Each player has their own pros and cons, but they all have the potential to contribute.
On the other hand, none of these players are established full-time starters, especially on a contending team. Running a committee at center for next season looks like the right call, especially given that head coach Rick Carlisle has experience with this strategy, particularly during his time with the Dallas Mavericks. As it stands, it seems like it will be an open competition. Jackson is the presumed starter, but Huff is a player to keep an eye on as well.
With the start of next season still months away, the Pacers have a lot of questions to answer. This includes figuring out how they will replace Turner. The answer to that might not be revealed for a while. However, their perfect replacement might already be on the team in Huff, who has the potential to have a big year in Indiana.