Withey was active for Thursday's loss to the Heat but coach Quin Snyder never called him into action.

EDGE Analysis

Despite the absence of Rudy Gobert (ankle), Snyder elected to shift Derrick Favors down to center while granting rookie Trey Lyles his first-career start which took place at power forward. This dynamic proves Snyder's lack of confidence in both Withey and fellow center Tibor Pleiss, resulting in humdrum value for both frontcourt players as they continue to spend the majority of their time firmly on the bench.

Withey tallied 10 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks in a preseason loss to the Blazers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Withey has looked good this preseason, as he's regularly the biggest player on the floor. With very little frontcourt depth, Withey could be asked to play a bigger role this season and will likely be the backup center behind Rudy Gobert. If Gobert is to ever miss any time, Withey could become a sneaky add for fantasy.

Withey received a qualifying offer from the Pelicans to make him a restricted free agent, Withey should continue to serve in a limited backup role for the Pelicans next season if he accepts the qualifying offer to stay with the team. After two seasons of sitting on the pine, there probably isn't much clamor for Withey's services on the free agent market.

Withey, after appearing in 58 games last season, played in just 37 this season for the Pelicans, finishing with averages of 2.6 points and 1.7 rebounds over 7 minutes per game. Withey was buried within New Orleans' rotation this season, as the acquisition of Omer Asik from the Rockets in the offseason put Withey as the third-string center behind Asik and Alexis Ajinca. It's not that Withey doesn't have the ability, as he has shown signs of being a formidable NBA big man on both ends of the floor, he is just on a team that is loaded with frontcourt players. In his one appearance this season when he played 29 minutes as a result of Ryan Anderson, Anthony Davis and Asik all being out, Withey scored 14 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out three assists. Heading into the offseason, both Asik and Ajinca will be free agents while The Pelicans have a qualifying offer worth over $1 million they can extend Withey's way. So, Withey's future entirely depends on what New Orleans decides to do this offseason, but even if he is not re-signed, it is hard to imagine there isn't a team out there for the big man.

Withey made a rare appearance on the court Wednesday, getting three minutes against the Lakers after three straight DNPs. Withey hasn't been able to carve out a consistent role in New Orleans, playing in just six games since February 23. Although playing time doesn't seem to be in the cards for the remainder of this season, Withey has produced when given minutes, scoring 14 points and grabbing eight rebounds last month against the Warriors.

Withey hasn't played in the Pelicans' last three games, despite the injuries to Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson. Withey is far behind Dante Cunningham and Alexis Ajinca in the pecking order for minutes in the frontcourt, joining newly-acquired Justin Hamilton at the end of the bench. Withey hasn't played double-digit minutes since the All-Star break.

Withey has played a total of 18 minutes this month, falling behind Alexis Ajinca in the rotation. Withey has some promise as a shot blocker, but it appears that potential won't be realized this season unless a rash of injuries strike the Pelicans. The Kansas product has appeared in just 23 games this season and has averaged fewer than six minutes per game.

Withey was briefly a part of head coach Monty Williams' rotation, but has once again been banished to the bench. Withey has appeared in just 17 of the Pelicans' 30 games, and has played more than five minutes in just nine of those. The Kansas product has potential as a rebounder and shot-blocker, but the minutes are too inconsistent for Withey right now.

Withey has only made one appearance this season for the Pelicans. The minutes at center are almost exclusively going to Anthony Davis and Omer Asik leaving no spill over for Withey. There's no reason to believe this will change over the course of the season which leaves the 24-year-old on the outside looking in.

Jeff Withey gained 17 pounds from last season and is now up to 240. The Pelicans are expected to bring on Omer Asik in a deal, so Withey's chances of making an impact next season seem to be dwindling. He'll likely get some extended playing time in Las Vegas Summer League later this week.