Jose Alvarado is one of the breakout stars of the 2021-22 NBA season. The rookie guard wasn't expected by many to have any sort of an impact in the NBA, but he had a breakout year with the New Orleans Pelicans, really coming into his own as the starting PG for the Pelicans.
Alvarado was undrafted in the 2021 Draft but has earned his place in the league through hard work and grit. As many small point guards do, Alvarado is compensating for not being the tallest or the most athletic by being a defensive pest. He created a signature defensive move where he waits out of an inbounder's sight in the corner of the court and then attacks the player the ball has been passed to, forcing a turnover.
This move became viral after Alvarado successfully stole the ball from Chris Paul during the first round of the Playoffs. Now, the move has become an AAU staple according to the coach of an NAIA team:
Alvarado may not be the long-term solution for the Pelicans' point guard woes, but he did have some great performances in the playoffs as a pivotal member of the team. The former Georgia Tech Huskies guard will be on his second and final year with the Pelicans, looking to play his way into a full-time NBA contract.
The Pelicans will definitely be looking towards possibly adding more guard depth to their team this off-season. C. J. McCollum has done an admirable job as the point guard and looks set in his position. However, they need more dynamic players than what Devonté Graham provides, so Alvarado's defensive bulldog tendencies will serve him well.
With Zion Williamson expected to play from the first game of next season, Alvarado will have to prove his viability on the floor next to him. Considering his unique style and aggressive mentality, there's no reason why he doesn't find a place on this Pels team.
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