The New Orleans Pelicans have suffered through two major losses at the guard spot due to injury this season. CJ McCollum continues to miss time due to a collapsed right lung , while the infectiously energetic Jose Alvarado has yet to make his season debut after spraining his ankle in an NBA offseason workout.
For the Pelicans and their fans, the good news is that Alvarado appears to be on the shelf no more and will make his season debut Monday night against the Sacramento Kings. This comes from none other than Alvarado himself, as he’s ready to hit the ground running and finally begin his season.
“I’m back… I feel good.”
Some encouraging and confident words from the sorely missed player.
This will actually be the first time Alvarado steps on the court for an NBA game since the end of February of last season, as he suffered a stress reaction in his right tibia. Initially expected to miss roughly three weeks, the injury continued to linger, and his return continued to be pushed back.
As the season progressed, the Pelicans watched their playoff hopes dwindle, and soon, the end of the season arrived, and Alvarado never returned. Now, as the Pelicans continue to tread water in the Western Conference, Alvarado’s return is not a moment too soon.
The Pelicans will still miss McCollum for the foreseeable future, but for a team that continues to flirt with the bottom third of the league in terms of defensive rating, the return of a defensive pest like Alvarado will do plenty of good.
Last season, Jose Alvarado averaged 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists. These are not exactly world-beating numbers, but his impact far exceeds traditional box stats.
Last season, Alvarado ranked in the top 15 in the league in deflections, sixth in defensive field goal percentage among guards, and second in defensive loose balls recovered (all stats per 36, min 50 GP). Those typically unseen hustle and defensive stats help contribute to the tone that Alvarado sets night in and night out for the Pelicans.
It will be quite the homecoming for the player affectionately known as GTA tonight in New Orleans.
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