The Indiana Pacers needed to know if they could trust Jay Huff to contribute at a high level as they look for a long-term center solution. And so far, he's proving that he can, especially as a backup.
Huff has started 26 of his first 49 games as a Pacer, but it's looking like the team is more interested in seeing what [he can do coming off the bench](https://8points9seconds.com/pacers-jay-huff-mind-boggling-change-sign-of-whats-to-come). The Virginia alum has come off the bench in each of the Pacers' last four games, and he is continuing to make the exact impact they were hoping to see.
In his last two games (he logged a total of six minutes in his prior two games), Huff averaged 13 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 47.6% from the field.
It's a small sample size, but Huff looks completely comfortable as a backup, which may be his long-term role in Indiana anyway. The North Carolina native has already proven that he can provide some value in a bigger role, but there were concerns about his ability to raise the Pacers' ceiling and be a dependable starting center. Now, he's making it clear he can do more of the same in a smaller role, which is exactly what the team needed to see.
Jay Huff can be a real long-term asset in Indiana
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This season has been a bit of a roller coaster for Huff. He had a terrible start to his Pacers tenure and looked borderline unplayable at times. His shot wasn't falling, and he didn't look great on defense (particularly outside of his rim protection). However, he turned things around and took over as the starting center in November.
There is a lot to like about Huff. When he's hot, he is tough to stop from the perimeter. Additionally, he led the league in blocks per game for a good portion of the season and has gradually looked much more comfortable as a defensive anchor.
Huff probably isn't going to be the [Myles Turner replacement Indiana still needs](https://8points9seconds.com/pacers-trade-deadline-dreams-could-become-reality-latest-yves-missi-rumors-true), but that doesn't mean he can't help them win some games in the future.
If Huff is going to stick around with the Pacers and establish himself as a legitimate contributor, he's likely going to have to do it as a backup. The Pacers are going to look to re-enter the title picture as soon as next season once Tyrese Haliburton returns from his Achilles tear, but they're likely going to need an upgrade at center to help raise their ceiling.
The 27-year-old is solid and can provide value in numerous ways. But can he be trusted to go up against guys like Jalen Duren, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Bam Adebayo in a potential playoff matchup? Probably not.
Regardless, Huff is making an impact as someone who can space the floor and protect the rim at a high level. And if he is going to be Indiana's backup for the rest of the season, then he will have plenty more opportunities to showcase exactly what he can do.