Jay Huff, the 6-foot-9 center for the Memphis Grizzlies, has emerged as one of the top stories early in the NBA season.

Averaging 12.2 points and 1.8 blocks per game, Huff stands out with an impressive 58.8% shooting rate from beyond the arc.

The Grizzlies reportedly had a spectacular performance against the Orlando Magic, scoring 18 points in just 19 minutes. rewarded Huff’s efforts by converting his two-way contract into a standard NBA deal.

Huff, 27, was a dynamic presence on the field, showcasing his defensive prowess and athleticism with highlight blocks and backhand moves.

Although his current success may seem sudden, it is the result of years of hard work and perseverance.

Huff, who was not drafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, played with the Washington Wizards in the Summer League, then signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers before playing with the Wizards and once again with the Denver Nuggets. This winding road eventually led him to Memphis.

Despite his potential, it has been difficult to get consistent minutes in the NBA, forcing him to spend most of his time in the G League.

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

But he showed off his defensive skills, averaging 2.4 blocks per game, ranking third in the league, and finished the season just one step off the top with 70 total blocks.

Huff also stood out in the end-of-season leaderboards, finishing sixth in the Player Efficiency Rating at 25.2.

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

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

Huff then had the opportunity to sign a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets and again played in 20 NBA games in the 2023-24 season, albeit in limited minutes.

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

It became increasingly clear that Huff had left the G League behind.

After a season in which the Grizzlies fielded an NBA-record 33 players, they signed Scotty Pippen Jr., a legitimate NBA contributor from G League play. He achieved success with.

Pippen earned a four-year, $9.6 million contract before the season opener, paving the way for the Grizzlies to pursue Huff.

Ahead of a productive preseason in which he averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and one block and shot 42.9% from three, the Grizzlies signed Huff to a two-way deal that believes he can replicate his G League success at the NBA level. He showed his beliefs. .

He did just that and earned a standard four-year NBA contract.

After Huff commits to his future in Memphis expressed great praise For the G League and for his experience developing in the NBA minor league.

“God put me where he wanted me to be,” Huff said. “We realized that wherever I am, I’m there for a reason, and it may not be basketball-related. I’m incredibly grateful for the G League and my time there. Without that, I probably wouldn’t enjoy what I do as much as I do.”

With Huff’s latest contract rotation, the Grizzlies appear to have made a wise investment in the G League; he and Pippen have provided significant performance value in today’s NBA.