Newfound Grizzlies star has been developing in the shadows for years

Jay Huff, a 7-foot-1 center for the Memphis Grizzlies, has emerged as one of the standout stories of the early part of the NBA season. 

Averaging 12.2 points and 1.8 blocks per game, Huff is making waves with his impressive 58.8% shooting mark from beyond the arc.

Following a stellar performance against the Orlando Magic when he scored 18 points in just 19 minutes, the Grizzlies reportedly rewarded Huff’s efforts by converting his two-way contract into a standard NBA deal.

At 27-years-old, Huff has been a dynamic presence on the court, showcasing his defensive prowess and athleticism with emphatic blocks and reverse alley-oops. 

While his current success might seem sudden, it is a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, Huff played with the Washington Wizards during Summer League, then signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers before another stint with the Wizards and one with the Denver Nuggets. That winding path ultimately led him to Memphis. 

Despite his potential, consistent minutes in the NBA proved difficult, forcing him to spend the majority of his time in the G League.

During his rookie season with the South Bay Lakers, Huff averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, but his shooting ability was not fully realized. He converted only 28.8% of his three-point attempts. 

However, he showcased his defensive skills, averaging 2.4 blocks per game, ranking him third in the league, and finishing the season with a total of 70 blocks, just one shy of the top spot. 

Huff also stood out on the end-of-season leaderboards, sitting in sixth-place in Player Efficiency Rating with 25.2.

In his second professional year, Huff split time between South Bay and the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards' affiliate team. He improved significantly, averaging 15 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting an impressive 40.4% from three-point range. 

His defensive statistics were equally remarkable, with 81 blocks and a 2.9 average that led the league. His performances earned him the G League Defensive Player of the Year award, as well as spots on the G League First Team and All-Defensive Team.

Huff then received an opportunity with the Denver Nuggets on a two-way contract, appearing in 20 NBA games during the 2023-24 season, albeit with limited minutes again. 

However, in eight G League games, he shined with averages of 20.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and an impressive 3.8 blocks per game, all while maintaining a solid 36.6% shooting from beyond the arc. 

It became increasingly clear that Huff had outgrown the G League.

The Grizzlies, coming off a season in which they fielded an NBA-record 33 players, found success with Scotty Pippen Jr., who transitioned from G League player to a legitimate NBA contributor.

Pippen earned a four-year, $9.6M contract before the season opener, setting the stage for the Grizzlies to pursue Huff.

Prior to a productive preseason, where he averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and one block while shooting 42.9% from three, the Grizzlies signed Huff to a two-way deal, indicating their belief that he could replicate his G League success at the NBA level.

He did just that, earning a four-year, standard NBA contract.

Upon committing to his future in Memphis, Huff expressed great praise for the G League and his experience developing in the NBA's minor league.

"God's put me where he's wanted me to be," Huff said. "Everywhere I've been, we've kind of realized I was there for a reason, and it may not have been basketball related. I'm incredibly grateful for the G League and the time I spent there. Without it, I probably wouldn't enjoy what I've been doing as much."

With Huff's recent contract conversion, it appears the Grizzlies have made a wise investment in the G League, as he and Pippen have provided significant value in terms of performance in today’s NBA.