The Indiana Pacers are reportedly interested in landing a new center of the future ahead of February’s trade deadline. Because of this, it’s fair to assume that Indiana does not view Jay Huff as a long-term starter, even though he has been playing some solid basketball.
The Pacers are reportedly still looking for an upgrade at center
After a slow start to the season, Huff has greatly turned things around. In his last 10 games, he is averaging 10.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.4 blocks while shooting 48.1% from the field and 36.5% from deep.
Furthermore, the Virginia alum is beginning to look like a good fit with the Pacers.
One of the biggest reasons the Pacers acquired Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies in the offseason is because of how similar his skillset is to Myles Turner’s. Both big men are solid rim protectors who can also stretch the floor offensively. However, while they are similar players in theory, there are still some obvious differences between the two, which doesn’t bode all too well for Huff’s future in Indiana.
He may not be the same defender he was even a few years ago, but Turner is proving that he is far for switchable than Huff is, which is incredibly important in the Pacers’ system. Additionally, he is quicker and more agile, and he is more capable of running the length of the court than Huff is.
To be fair to Huff, he is beginning to look much more comfortable in the Pacers’ system, and he is starting to look closer to what he was advertised as. But it still remains to be seen if he can keep this up for a full season, especially against some of the best centers in the league.
At the very least, the North Carolina native is proving that he can be a legitimate backup big man for the Pacers for a long time. He clearly provides value on both sides of the ball, and he is on a very team-friendly contract. But would Indiana trust him to start at center in Game 7 of the NBA Finals? Well, if the latest rumors are true, then the answer to that is no.
There is a lot to like about Huff, and he should have plenty more opportunities to prove that he can help the Pacers win basketball games. But can he run in Indiana’s system once Tyrese Haliburton returns? Is this the best he’s going to be in a Pacers uniform? These are important questions that need answers as they may decide what the future holds for Huff in the blue and gold.