Apr 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) and forward Zion Williamson (1) react against the Los Angeles Lakers on a time out during the first half of a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

NBA Star Jose Alvarado Breaks Silence on Scary Moment in FIBA AmeriCup

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 3:51 AM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans are no strangers to injuries. Year after year, the team has had promising seasons ruined by a different key player getting injured.

On Thursday night, the team found themselves in a similar position when Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado left the game against Argentina in the FIBA AmeriCup after a hard fall in overtime. With roughly two minutes remaining in overtime, Alvarado hit the ground hard after trying to grab a rebound.

#AmeriCup2025 Nuestro José Alvarado tiene que salir del partido contra Argentina tras una fuerte caída en el tiempo extra.

¡Pronta recuperación, campeón!

Pendientes a https://t.co/pj7ONbpWIu y #WapaDeportes para más detalles. pic.twitter.com/mV5Ia1MpTl
— #WAPADeportes (@wapadeportes) August 29, 2025

The Pelicans guard didn't move from the floor for quite some time, and he eventually had to be stretchered off the court. The moment fans saw Alvarado get stretchered, they all expected the worst.

Se llevan en camilla a José Alvarado , contusión espalda baja y cuello faltando 2:10 de TE, Argentina al frente @ElNuevoDia @primerahora pic.twitter.com/86GzfYmkCV
— Levi Luna (@leviluna21) August 29, 2025

Fortunately, Alvarado had a message for Pelicans fans that seemed to ease their worries. The Pelicans guard posted a health update on his Instagram story.

"Appreciate the love yall," Alvarado said. "But your boy good. God got me."

Jose Alvarado posts on IG after leaving tonight's Puerto Rico game on a stretcher pic.twitter.com/2wj1IPddkG
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) August 29, 2025

Last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Alvarado averaged 10.3 points, 4.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals on 39/36/81 shooting from the field. He started in 23 games for the team last season and has played roughly in 56 games in each season.

How do the New Orleans Pelicans Look Next Season?

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Expectations seem to be incredibly low for the New Orleans Pelicans next season, despite still having a capable roster. The team may have lost CJ McCollum, Cam Whitmore, and Kelly Olynyk, but they still have excellent pieces in Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray, and Yves Missi.

Each season, it feels like the Pelicans are poised to have a promising season because of how good their role players are, but their seasons ultimately rest upon the fate of Zion Williamson's health. Without either Brandon Ingram or CJ McCollum available to take the load, it's easy to see why critics would have such little faith in New Orleans.