Pelicans: It’s time for Jose Alvarado to play over Devonte’ Graham

There is an interesting battle for minutes brewing for the New Orleans Pelicans down the stretch as they try to push their way into the play-in tournament.

Jose Alvarado has played just under eight minutes in both of the last two games, as Devonte’ Graham got most of the run from the backup guard spot.

Graham is a streaky shooter who put up 30 in the recent win over the Bulls, but he’s scored in single digits in all five games since, scoring just two points in three of them.

Alvarado was coming off one of his best stretches of the season, which earned him a new contract, so it is a little bit baffling that he has taken a back seat to Graham in the last two games.

It might be time for coach Willie Green to have a tough conversation with Graham, who doesn’t offer as much as Alvarado and shouldn’t be getting his minutes.

Jose Alvarado gives the Pelicans more than Devonte’ Graham

When Graham is on, he can go off for 30 points and win you a game, like he did against Chicago, but when he is not on, he offers little else.

Graham is certainly a better long-range shooter than Alvarado, but is hitting just 34 percent this season, so that advantage is negligible right now.

Alvarado is a much-better playmaker than Graham, who has always been more of a shoot-first guard than a guy who sets up teammates.

But the biggest advantages Alvarado brings are defense and intangibles, as he is an absolute pest on the ball and gives the Pelicans a boost of energy off the bench.

Alvarado’s defense makes it possible for him to play with CJ McCollum, which is not something the Pelicans can or should do with Graham.

Even though Graham has more scoring potential, Alvarado offers more on both ends and and is always a guy who gets his teammates going.

I doubt Graham will be benched completely, but he is struggling mightily right now and Jose Alvarado deserves those extra minutes.