Jeff Withey came off the bench for a career-high 14 points to go along with five rebounds, two steals and two blocks in Tuesday's loss.

With Jason Smith and Ryan Anderson both out indefinitely, someone is going to have to step up at center for the Pelicans, and tonight that was Withey. Greg Stiemsma started and failed to score in 11 minutes, while Alexis Ajinca had four points, four rebounds, a steal and a block in 16 minutes. These three could trade good games from here on out, and relying on any of them in fantasy is risky business. But Withey should be given a close look on Friday against the Pistons after this one.

Jeff Withey saw some extra playing time on Saturday, playing 14 minutes for three boards, two boards and one block.

The Pelicans are in a lot of trouble up front and their plan is going to take a detour after trading some picks for Jrue Holiday (leg) over the summer. They might go with a youth movement, but obviously Withey has almost no fantasy value right now. Alexis Ajinca scored two points with four boards and a block in 12 minutes.

Rookie Jeff Withey played for the first time in four games and had a career night with nine points, five boards, a steal and a block on 2-of-2 shooting in 18 minutes.

He also hit 5-of-6 free throws and ended up on a poster when Xavier Henry threw down the dunk of the night in his grill. He'll see some run if Greg Stiemsma misses serious time with his left knee injury, but not enough that you should think about picking him up. Hit the link in case you missed the poster shot.

Portland traded Jeff Withey to the Pelicans as part of the three-team trade that will be official on July 10.

He was selected with the 39th pick of the draft last month and played four years with the Kansas Jayhawks. Withey was a two-tie Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, but his upside is likely just as a bench big in the NBA.