When Tyrese Haliburton came out ahead of game 7, the whole of Indiana saw a dream, but that one gesture defined Hali. lives and breathes basketball. In Game 7, despite not being 100%, he laced up and gave the Pacers everything he had in that limited time that kept the Pacers in play till half-time, refusing to let injury define the moment. Despite injury, he showed up courtside at an Indiana Fever game recently because you simply can’t keep him away from the court. And now, as the Pacers pack the roster with fresh legs and build on their playoff run, Haliburton glued his eyes on one new teammate’s insane move.

Swish Cultures recently dropped a highlight reel of Jay Huff dominating in offseason runs in Spain, and it didn’t take long for the internet to notice. The clip, captioned “Indiana Pacers New Center Jay Huff is going crazy in Spain runs 🤯😂 his dunk package is different wow @TheNBPA,” quickly reached where it mattered besides catching plenty of eyes. But it wasn’t until Tyrese Haliburton himself chimed in with his reaction that fans really started paying attention, instantly turning casual buzz into serious curiosity about Huff’s potential in Indiana.

The clip shows Huff absolutely demolishing the rim, throwing down explosive dunks, and running the floor with surprising agility for a player his size. And it’s not just the hops, his touch around the rim, timing, and intensity caught fans and even his sidelined teammate off guard. Tyrese commented on the video on X with, “Damn.” One word, but it spoke volumes. Coming from the Pacers’ leader, it was a clear nod of respect, and a message that the investment in Huff might be a smart one.

Jay Huff has flown under the radar for most of his NBA career. A four-year journeyman who finally landed a standard NBA deal with the Memphis Grizzlies last year. The ex-Grizzlies star impressed the league by shooting 40.5% from beyond the arc and recording 51.5% FG. Though the numbers aren’t impressive yet (average of 6.9 points in just 11.7 minutes), the Spain tape shows confidence, bounce, and swagger. It’s no wonder Haliburton took notice.

Last season, Huff was one of only three seven-footers to shoot over 40% from deep on at least 200 attempts. Joining Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porziņģis in that elite club. He also ranked 24th among 90 players in field goal percentage allowed at the rim, layups, and dunks, minimum 300 shots contested. That’s elite two-way potential. With Myles Turner gone, Indiana needs a big man who can stretch the floor and defend the paint. Huff might not have the resume of a Deandre Ayton or the rim presence of Turner, but if his summer runs are any indication, he’s about to seize the biggest opportunity of his career.

Pacers’ $14.1M boost changes offseason outlook

Just days before Huff’s trade was finalized, the Pacers received a significant financial boost from the league. As NBA insider Bobby Manning posted on X: “Interesting note from earlier this week: the #Pacers received a $14.1M disabled player exception for Tyrese Haliburton, who they’ve acknowledged will miss the entire 25-26 season…” It’s a big deal. The exception, awarded due to Haliburton’s Achilles injury, gives the Pacers an extra $14.1 million to use on a one-year contract. 

The Pacers now have real flexibility to improve their roster. The team is still sitting just under the luxury tax threshold, and GM Chad Buchanan made it clear they’re not afraid to spend if the right player comes along. “Using the full exception would put us into the luxury tax, which we’re not opposed to if it’s the right player,” Buchanan said on the “Setting the Pace” podcast.

For now, Indiana is rolling with Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell at point guard, but Buchanan noted the team may look to add another ballhandler: “If there is a position that we would maybe look at… it’s maybe another point guard.” The DPE opens the door for a short-term veteran signing or trade. Rumors are already circling about names like Malcolm Brogdon, Russell Westbrook, or even Chris Boucher if the Pacers want more frontcourt size. Nothing is imminent, but now, Indiana has options.

With Haliburton out for the year and Myles Turner gone,  expectations for the Pacers heading into 2025-26 are understandably tempered. But by adding Huff and with the DPE, this is a rare mid-offseason opportunity to reload.