Even though the New Orleans Pelicans missed out on the playoffs yet again, they are still being loosely represented in the NBA Finals. Former Pelicans players Jose Alvarado and Josh Hart are not only playing for the New York Knicks in the finals but also contributing to their winning.
The Pelicans organization could learn a thing or two from their former players and the Knicks. Part of the reason they have had so much success in the playoffs is that they have a lot of talent and superstars like Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns.
Their success goes beyond their talent, though. Guys like Alvarado and Hart are contributing greatly to the Knicks playoff success thanks to their effort and energy.
Ironically, these are the type of guys the Pelicans need. Joe Dumars and new head coach Jamahl Mosley have continually stressed the need for toughness on the team. Alvarado and Hart provided that when they were in New Orleans and they continue to provide that for the Knicks.
Right players wrong time
I don’t blame the Pelicans for trading away either guy, because at the time, the deals made sense. Hart was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the deal to acquire CJ McCollum. Alvarado was traded this past season because with Dejounte Murray coming back and Jeremiah Fears playing the point, there just wasn’t room for the undrafted point guard.
Now, both players have a very real chance of winning an NBA championship, and the Pelicans are left searching for replacements. The good news is, you usually don’t have to pay a lot to get these types of players.
We already highlighted one University of Maryland player who could potentially fill this role should he be drafted by the Pelicans. They also might already have these guys on their team.
Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens are two younger players who have shown signs of being the type of high-energy, tough players needed off the bench.
Of course, there is a lot more the Pelicans will need to put a winning team on the court next season. The Pelicans will also need at least one star player, whether that turns out to be Zion Williamson or someone acquired from another team.
The Pelicans also need a shot-blocker to help on the defensive side of the ball.
I personally will be cheering on both Alvarado and Hart as they were fun players to watch when they were playing in the Crescent City. I will also be following them closely to see the positive impact they continue to make on the Knicks' on-court performance.
Whether the Knicks end up winning the finals or not, Alvarado and Hart have already shown the Pelicans what they are missing. Now we have to wait and see if Dumars and Troy Weaver can find their own Jose Alvarado and Josh Hart.
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