Since New Orleans Pelicans' Media Day, their social media pages across all major platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, have been filled with clips from scrimmages and practices. In one of the more recent clips posted, Jose Alvarado was seen trying to motivate Zion Williamson in a post-practice huddle.
"It started with you, bro. If you play like that every time, that's the whole league." Alvarado said to Williamson.
Alvarado is saying what every Pelicans fan already knows, which is that this team is better when Z is on the court and playing at his best. People holding Williamson accountable have been a trend during the New Orleans offseason. We've seen both Joe Dumars and Willie Green express that they have been pushing him to improve his habits both on and off the court, so he can reach his full potential and finally have a healthy season.
Seeing Alvarado join Dumars and Green as someone who will be vocal with Z and try to motivate him is a really encouraging sign. This clip highlights the importance of Alvarado’s role as a leader for this group, as he isn’t just going to hold Williamson accountable but also everyone else on the team.
New Orleans must keep Alvarado around
Throughout the offseason, I felt that it was time for the front office to move on from Grand Theft Alvarado. Coming off a career year, his value would have been sky high and pairing that with the depth New Orleans had at guard, it felt like the time was right for both sides to go their separate ways. However, this quote makes it evident that Alvarado is a massive piece in the Pelicans' goal of building a winner.
He is a huge culture guy, and now that he appears to be stepping into leadership, there is even more reason to keep him around.
Although Joe Dumars is putting pressure on Williamson to become a voice on the court and in the locker room for this team, it may take some time for him to develop into one. Having a player like Alvarado to serve as a veteran for this young team is extremely valuable. We've noticed that he isn’t afraid to talk or speak out during his time with the organization, and that's something this team needs now more than ever.
Keeping him around also takes some of the pressure off of rookie guard Jeremiah Fears. Having Alvarado as another option at guard means Fears wouldn’t be tasked with as much responsibility, which would help him have an easier transition from college to the pros.
One of my biggest concerns about the Pelicans was what happens if Zion Williamson disappoints again. But, after seeing Jose Alvarado join Dumars and Green in the pursuit to make Williamson better, I don't think fans have to worry about him disappointing in the 2025-26 season.