13. Jeff Withey
Dec 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Jeff Withey (5) blocks a shot by Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter (0) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Jazz 119-111. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
First of all, yes. I did pick this picture of Jeff Withey specifically because he is blocking Enes Kanter.
Withey and Tibor Pleiss are essentially tied on this list. At this point, you can argue either is better than the other. I have Withey ahead of Pleiss because I have seen much more of him. The Withey signing was a great get for the Utah Jazz, but would have made more sense if they had not already signed Pleiss. They become a little redundant on this roster.
The former Kansas Jayhawk was the 39th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. At one point, he was talked about as a potential lottery pick based on his defense alone. However, being a four-year college player and one that some teams feared would be one dimensional caused him to fall in the draft.
Whitey played the last two years with the New Orleans Pelicans, but couldn’t crack a loaded big man rotation that features Anthony Davis, Omer Asik, Ryan Anderson, and Alexis Ajinca.
Withey is an awesome defender and very mobile for a seven-foot center. He uses that height and mobility to lock down the paint. In Withey’s last year at Kansas, he averaged an insane 4.5 blocks per 36 minutes. In fact, Withey became the Big 12’s all-time leading shot blocker over his time in Kansas. He managed this while only averaging 2.1 fouls per game.
This skill set has translated to the NBA. Last year, opponents only shot 43.8 percent at the rim when Withey was defending the paint. To put that in comparison, opponents shot 48.6 percent against Anthony Davis and 43.8 percent against Derrick Favors. He is an amazing rim protector. The idea of the 48 minutes per game at the center position for the Jazz being split between Gobert and Withey would give opposing teams nightmares.
Withey’s offensive game with the Pels was mostly limited to dunking the ball. 62.7 percent of his shots last year were within three feet of the basket. If Withey wants consistent minutes, he needs to learn to add something to his game on offense. I think Withey is a better passer than Pleiss, which could lead to him getting more minutes if he makes the team.
Next: Player No. 12