New Orleans Pelicans: 1 thing for each rookie to improve this offseason
New Orleans Pelicans: What each rookie needs to improve
Jose Alvarado: 3-point shooting
Jose Alvarado was one of the best stories of the 2021-22 NBA season, as he went from un-drafted to locking up Chris Paul in the playoffs, quite a journey for one of the most likable players in the league (as long as you aren’t a fan of the other team).
Alvarado is already very good at the things the Pelicans need him to do, which is facilitate the offense, set up teammates, take care of the ball and play smothering on-the-ball defense.
Alvarado had a fantastic 2.8/0.7 assist to turnover ratio and set the tone for the Pelicans’ bench with his energy and defense, so he is already defying expectations.
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But he did shoot just 29.1 percent from 3-point range on two attempts per game. He is going to get those shots until he shows he can hit them, as defenders sag on him to try and prevent dribble penetration.
Jose is very good at getting into the paint to set up teammates or take those little floaters and runners, but if he could hit even league-average from 3-point range his offensive game could find another level.
The New Orleans Pelicans need 3-point shooting, as they were near the bottom of the league this season, so hopefully this is an area where Jose will make some improvement.