If you watched the New Orleans Pelicans undefeated run in Summer League, a few players stood out, including point guard Jose Alvarado.
Alvarado plays what can only be called “disruptive” on-the-ball defense and was a menace for just about everyone he faced.
Jose Alvarado has signed his two-way deal. https://t.co/fAwHzaBHz9
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) August 19, 2021
His numbers are not going to jump off the page, as he only averaged 4.4 points and two assists in his 14 minutes of play per game, so how in the world did Alvarado turn that into a two-way contract?
There’s more to the game than numbers.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado’s energy and competitiveness
I always cheer for the undrafted players, as I love an underdog and it’s easy to get behind guys who have to fight for every minute they get.
Alvarado definitely falls into that category as an undersized point guard who didn’t get much love coming out of Georgia Tech.
But Alvarado passes the eye test, especially when it comes to energy and defense, as he averaged 1.4 steals in Summer League in just 14 minutes a game, and a staggering 2.8 steals per game in college.
Even if Alvarado never plays a minute outside the G-League he is going to bring an infectious energy that will push his teammates and make practices and training camp more competitive.
You can’t sleep while Alvarado is on the floor or he’ll take it from you, so I love that he’ll be hounding the Pelicans’ regulars and making them earn every inch on the court in practice.
Jose Alvarado is an insurance policy
Alvarado is already 23-years-old, so even though he is a rookie, he’s one of the older Pelicans. He knows how to play the game and has more experience than most of the guys they already have, so if the Pels had to call upon Alvarado, he’ll be ready.
New Orleans is already set at point guard with several options, but if one of Kira Lewis Jr. or Devonte’ Graham were to get hurt, Alvarado offers a safe insurance policy, as he is a decent shooter, can handle the ball and will be a menace on defense.
Alvarado is unlikely to play much if any role for the New Orleans Pelicans this season, but he will push the other players, create energy and competition and offers an experienced insurance policy against any injuries to their point guards.