4 Pelicans players who improved their trade value in 2023

Jose Alvarado, PG

Jose Alvarado is another guy who the Pelicans scooped up off the street in 2021 and who happens to have built a strong bond with Marshall during their time with the Birmingham Squadron. Alvarado burst onto the scene late last year thanks to his cheeky strategy to swipe steals by hiding in the corner after a made basket and sneaking up behind a player walking the ball up.

The 6’0″ point guard was able to grow into a much more significant role during this campaign, putting up 9.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 21.3 minutes per game. Alvarado is a bit undersized, but he more than makes up for it on the defensive end with his relentless energy. He’s also made himself more playable by upping his 3-point shooting from 29 to 34 percent.

Alvarado, whose patented swipes have earned him the nickname “Grand Theft Alvarado,” has endeared himself to fans thanks to his heart and passion and frustrated opponents as he buzzed around them and prodded them like a gnat. He’s turned himself into a bonafide NBA contributor, which was not the case last year.