The Magic Insider

Former Magic Summer Leaguer Jay Huff's Career Night with Grizzlies Torches Orlando

Jay Huff, who played well for the Orlando Magic during the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas, signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in July. He scored 18 points in 19 minutes off the bench Saturday in a 124-111 Grizzlies win.

Mason Williams

Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) reacts after a dunk during the first half against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum.
Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) reacts after a dunk during the first half against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Over the summer, center Jay Huff made a bit of a name for himself.

The 7-foot center, an NBA journeyman, had spent parts of three different years with three different teams. But with the Orlando Magic's NBA 2K25 Summer League team in Las Vegas, the former Virginia Cavalier found his footing – scoring 16.8 points a game, shooting 62.1 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three, and averaging five rebounds over five games.

But rather than signing with the Magic on a two-way contract — Orlando had two to utilize — Huff remained unsigned. He'd eventually latch on with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Saturday night, in the Grizzlies' home opener against the Magic, Huff lit up his former team.

Huff was the second-leading scorer for the Grizzlies in Memphis' 124-111 win, scoring 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-5 from long range.

"Jay Huff, what an unbelievable addition [he is] to the group. An unbelievable person. He's been great in the locker room," Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said postgame.

"He can accept any role, He's been in the league for a couple of years. I think he's really relishing this opportunity right now. he's playing for a lot and comes in for as many as a couple of possessions or a lot of minutes. [Huff will ask] 'What do you need me to do, coach? Do you need me to guard one of the best young players in the league, embank [Magic center Wendell] Carter Jr. on a switch, or protect the rim, or rebound?' He's doing all the little things."

Overall, the Memphis bench outscored the Magic reserves 66-45. Six Grizzlies scorers reached double figures.

As FanDuel Sports Network's broadcast coverage went to commercial before postgame coverage began, it caught a moment between Huff and Magic assistant coach Lionel Chalmers, who was the head coach for Orlando in Vegas this past summer. Chalmers patted Huff on the chest, showing respect for his performance on the evening.

Orlando's forgettable night saw the Magic drop its first contest of the year and go to 2-1 on the year.

Up Next

The Magic return home for one game versus the Indiana Pacers before taking off for a five-game road trip. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Monday at the Kia Center.

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