The Indiana Pacers traded for Jay Huff to help them navigate through the post-Myles Turner era after he joined the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. While he's been solid for the most part, Huff is proving that he is not the Pacers' center of the future, and they will need to acquire an upgrade at some point soon.
Huff took over as the Pacers' starting center in late November and looked like a legitimate asset for a while. From Nov. 19 through Dec. 5, the Virginia alum averaged 11.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.3 blocks while shooting 50% from the field and 38.8% from deep in nine games. Additionally, he looked much more comfortable on defense.
However, Huff hasn't looked the same in recent games. Over his last six games, he has averaged 8.7 points, 6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 2.7 blocks while shooting 34% from the field and 22.9% from beyond the arc.
Nobody ever truly expected the North Carolina native to establish himself as the Pacers' starting center of the future, [but given his emergence](https://8points9seconds.com/jay-huffs-emergence-came-perfect-time-pacers) in November and his progression, there were reasons to think he may be more than just a backup.
Huff can still be a long-term contributor for the Pacers. But if his recent games are any indication, he's more likely going to be a career backup than a starter on a championship-caliber team.
Jay Huff is not a starting-level center on a contending team
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There is a lot to like about Huff despite his struggles. He is proving to be an elite rim protector, leading the NBA with 2.4 blocks per game, and he can help space the floor. His shot is a bit inconsistent, but when he's hot, he's lights-out.
Additionally, he's doing all of this without Tyrese Haliburton, who has built a habit of elevating his teammates because of his elite facilitation and playmaking. If Huff is improving in Indiana's system without its star guard, then, in theory, his best is yet to come with the blue and gold.
Regardless, there are also a lot of concerns about Huff's long-term fit with the Pacers, particularly as a starter. He is way too slow to truly be effective in their system, and he is not someone who can elevate his game against the best centers in the NBA. Furthermore, he is 27 or 28 years old (depending on which site you check). His upside is not all that high.
Reports have already surfaced suggesting that the Pacers will look to [acquire an upgrade at center](https://8points9seconds.com/pacers-dreadful-season-takes-surprising-turn-trade-season-nears-daniel-gafford) this season. Regardless of whether it actually happens or not, it's smart for them to gauge the market. They're going to need to bolster their frontcourt if they want to re-enter the title picture and raise their ceiling, because it seems clear that Huff is not the answer.