The best blocker in the NBA, Jay Huff finds his place in the Pacers

At the point guard position, it was the second big question of the season for the Pacers: who would be able to take over for Myles Turner, went to Buckson post 5? The Indiana-based franchise appears to be finding the beginning of an answer today: Jay Huff.

In several games, the former Grizzlies player took over the starting position that until now was mostly held by Isaiah Jackson. Its main strength compared to the latter? Hough is capable of punishing from distance.

Bulls could come up with an idea last night. Pivot scored his team’s first 14 points by making four game-winning baskets! “ It started very well, attracted the audience. It didn’t take long for him to attempt a fifth shot (3 points)which is positive. It was a good open shot », Remark Rick Carlisle whose interior missed this attempt and will not score again in the game.

More than two blocks per match

In 25 minutes, in his fourth start of the year, the 27-year-old collected 14 points (5/9 shooting including 4/8 from distance), 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. ” Honestly, I barely remember anything. This is one of those situations where you don’t think too much. The caffeine kicks in. Just send it! ,” describes the interior on its heat stroke for starters.

A great start that confirms his good current dynamics. In six games, he averaged 12 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks. ” They say he is the best blocker in the NBA », Pascal Siakam notes without fail. In Victor Wembanyama’s absence, his teammate leads the field with an average of 2.3 blocks, ahead of fellow Frenchman Alex Sarr. Like his predecessor, Myles Turner, the former best blocker in the league.

His impact is felt on both ends of the court for a team accustomed to playing with a pivot that is able to get out of the way. ” It feels good to have a big man like this capable of being a 3-point threat. It really opens up the field for us. And if you can get those little shots in, it makes it harder for us to defend as a team. We must continue to trust him, and he must keep this trust », Joakam.

Five franchises in five years

Last year in Memphis, in a smaller role, he shot 40.5% in practice, compared to 32% this season with more volume. The fact remains that with a string of performances of this type, an undrafted player may have a chance to earn his spot forever. Since his major league debut in 2021, he has changed teams every year (Lakers, Wizards, Nuggets, Grizzlies).

« It shows the comfort level he’s getting playing with our guys as he adjusts to life in Indianapolis. Our fans know that he and his wife are discovering a new environment, a new team, a different style than last year. So it’s all positive. Right now, he and Isaiah are doing a tremendous job. We have some fluidity in the rotations “, greets the coach, making sure there are no starting five ” fixed ».

More comfortable in his position, Jay Huff is also content to contribute to the success, which has become a rarity among the Pacers. ” We knew we were better than what we showed on the field, and that’s what’s most frustrating. It’s one thing to lack confidence and doubt your team, but we knew we were a good team. There were frustrating injuries and we had to try to find our rhythm, understand what we need to do. But we knew we would get there eventually », he finishes, including himself.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.