Pelicans guard grabs opportunity amid injury crisis

The New Orleans Pelicans have taken yet another hit to their injury-plagued season with the news that guard Jose Alvarado will be sidelined for approximately six weeks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Alvarado’s absence adds to a growing list of sidelined Pelicans, including Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones and Jordan Hawkins. 

The toll of these injuries has pushed New Orleans (3-8) close to the bottom of the Western Conference standings, with the team suffering five straight losses and claiming only one win in their last nine games.

Amid this wave of setbacks, one player is seizing the moment: Brandon Boston Jr. 

Signed via waivers just before the regular season tip-off, the 6-foot-6 wing joined the Pelicans on a two-way contract, and the team’s misfortune has led to a significant boost in his playing time and ballhandling responsibilities.

Previously with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-way deal for three seasons, Boston now finds himself in his final year of two-way eligibility, making this a pivotal season for the young wing. 

He began the season with limited minutes, but with opportunities multiplying, so has his production. Over the past six games, the 22-year-old has averaged 15.8 points on an impressive 47.5% shooting from beyond the arc.

In a Nov. 8 loss to the Orlando Magic, the emerging wing delivered a standout performance, scoring 26 points alongside six rebounds, three assists and two steals, showcasing his versatility. 

Even when his scoring dipped, he found other ways to contribute. Against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, despite a challenging shooting night of 3-for-13 from the field, he dished out 10 assists, grabbed seven rebounds and notched three steals, all while committing just one turnover.

In 2022, he led the Clippers to victory in the G League Winter Showcase, earning Showcase Cup MVP honors after a standout 21-point showing in the final.

Last season, Boston Jr. averaged 33.3 points across a three-game stretch in the G League, hitting 10 three-pointers and further proving his readiness for the NBA stage. But with his two-way eligibility running out, he was in urgent need of a bigger role. 

After the Clippers released him, Boston Jr. signed a training camp deal with the San Antonio Spurs in the offseason. Following limited preseason minutes, he was waived, opening the door for New Orleans to snap him up.

At just 22-years-old, Boston Jr. appears to be a potential long-term asset for the Pelicans, emerging as a bright spot amid the team’s endless misfortune.