The New Orleans Pelicans have won three in a row and have finally been getting contributions from their bench.
Things changed when Jose Alvarado started getting regular minutes, as he provides a spark on both ends with his hustle and ability to make plays.
The team also rallies around him, which you love to see, and his play, along with the recent surge of Jaxson Hayes, has been a big part of the Pels passing the Trail Blazers for the final spot in the play-in tournament.
Without Zion Williamson or a real point guard, the Pelicans have mostly relied on Brandon Ingram to initiate the offense, which has worked well at times, but the offense has been down overall.
This is why some fans believe Jose Alvarado might be a better fit with the starting unit than Devonte’ Graham, who has always played off the ball.
The case for Devonte’ Graham in the Pelicans’ starting lineup
Devonte’ Graham has pretty much been exactly what we thought he’d be this season.
He gets most of his points on 3-point shots and when they are not falling, he doesn’t offer much else, as he rarely even shoots inside the arc and has never been a guy who racks up a ton of assists.
But he’s been solid despite what some Pels’ fans think, and had scored in double-digits in 10 straight games before the last three when he scored 18 combined.
His shooting has been down from his career averages this season, and without Zion in there, the Pelicans need more guys who can make plays off the bounce, which is why some feel Jose Alvarado might be a better fit with the starting five.
The case for Jose Alvarado
Jose Alvarado is not as good a 3-point shooter as Devonte’ Graham but he’s better at breaking down a defense off the bounce and setting up teammates.
There’s an argument that Alvarado could help the Pelicans overcome some of those lulls they have in the half court when they rely heavily on Brandon Ingram to make plays and the ball slows down.
I also like the idea of Alvarado hounding the other team’s starting point guard and making him work for everything.
If Graham were coming off the bench, he’d be one of the primary scoring options for a chunk each game, which means he could get a few more shots up, which could possibly benefit him as well.
There are some questions about this move though, as Alvarado hasn’t been playing huge minutes and might get exposed if he were.
Alvarado also brings a spark of energy off the bench and is a guy who fits well with Jaxson Hayes and NAW, who can take advantage of his passing.
I get the idea of Alvarado as a starter, but for now I think a bench role is what best suits him and the team, as he can continue to have a big impact without getting exposed.