“Tell ’em Jose!” Alvarado living his dream for the Pelicans

Jose Alvarado got to live out a dream last night for the New Orleans Pelicans, playing a key bench role in Madison Square Garden in the Pels’ win over the Knicks with most of his family in attendance.

Even though the Pelicans have a losing record, they’ve been a joy to watch for those of us who have stuck around, as guys like Herb Jones and Alvarado are outplaying their draft status and becoming fan favorites because of their hustle and energy.

The Pelicans’ bench has been abysmal for most of the season, as first-round picks like Trey Murphy III, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaxson Hayes have contributed little while second-round pick Herb Jones has seized a starting role (and probably a place on the All-Rookie team eventually) and now Alvarado is evolving into a key guy.

Call me crazy, but I’ve already seen more out of Alvarado than first-round pick Kira Lewis Jr. even though Alvarado went undrafted and had to battle his way into a two-way contract.

I thought Alvarado would bring something to the Pelicans this season, mostly in practice, but his hard work is paying dividends and he’s earned more playing time with each game.

Jose Alvarado brings defensive intensity

The Pelicans are building their new identity around defense, as guys like Jones, Josh Hart and Alvarado are making plays all over the court each and every night.

It’s not only fun to watch, but it’s far more sustainable than being a dominant offense that can’t get stops. Part of this transformation has come because Zion Williamson is out, but the other part is Willie Green, who has the young Pelicans buying into the idea that defense can win games and will be there for you every night even when your shots are not falling.

Alvarado is the epitome of this, as he is an undersized guard who is an absolute menace on the ball, overcoming his lack of size with effort, smarts and intensity. If you throw a lazy pass, be prepared to have Jose take it the other way as he does here:

The former ACC defensive player of the year is averaging a steal a game after swiping four more last night and has at least one in his last six games since getting more run with the second unit.

He never gives up on plays and just keeps fighting through screens to make life miserable for whoever he is guarding. I love underdogs and Alvarado is proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to defense.

Jose Alvarado makes great decisions for the Pelicans

Alvarado runs the second unit like a veteran, always seems to make the right decision (he’s pretty much the anti-Nickeil in that regard) and is a crafty passer, as you can see here:

The Pels have a lot of guys who can slash to the hoop, so having a guy like Jose who can get them the rock and is always looking to create has been a big boost to the bench.

Regardless of how this season turns out, the Pelicans have found two steals in Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado and I am here for it.