Jose Alvarado’s storybook NBA rookie season culminated in April, when he became known to basketball fans around the world as the Bulldog backup point guard responsible for a unique brand of “sneaky steals.” “Out of nowhere. He’s the defensive threat that forced future Hall of Famer Chris Paul to an eight-second violation in the playoffs, constantly harassing the Phoenix star on 94 feet. Not bad for a player who went undrafted in 2021, a man who was very grateful even to sign a bilateral G League contract with New Orleans.
It turns out that all Alvarado needed was an opportunity, for one of the league’s 30 franchises to believe in him enough to allow him to prove his worth. Just two months after breaking Willie Green’s rotation in January, the New York native signed a four-year contract extension with the Pelicans, paving the way for the 6-footer to buy a new home and car ( the latter for his father) in the off-season.
When asked on Media Day what would motivate him now that he can afford these kinds of purchases, Alvarado smiled and replied, “I want a bigger house, a nicer car. I want to be paid, right? I will continue to motivate myself. It’s a blessing to put on the (NBA) jersey, so that’s the most important thing.
Alvarado’s tenacity helped the New Orleans bench reverse their effectiveness last season after struggling in December. With Alvarado and Naji Marshall providing a defensive approach each night, the second unit emerged as an attacking group that forced mistakes and turned them into transition points.
Nicknamed “Grand Theft Alvarado” and “The Brooklyn Burglar,” the freshman pro averaged 15 minutes in the regular season and then 20 in the playoffs against Phoenix, applying pressure from start to finish against opposing ball handlers.
“Man, Jose is applying pressure all over the court,” Pelicans forward Zion Williamson said. “When I see a player do something like that, it’s a dawg. Burst player. Applying pressure all over the pitch forces everyone to lock in defense.
Alvarado has also made steady progress offensively as a rookie, which he continues into Year 2. The Georgia Tech product appears to be a more confident driver, including delivering six assists — almost all for goals. undisputed shots – in Tuesday’s preseason opener in Chicago.
“Be a more consistent shooter,” Alvarado said of a short-range goal after going 29% on three-pointers as a rookie. “I think I’ve done a lot of good things. I need to improve and be more consistent on some things like jumpshots. Don’t turn the ball around, lead the team. My mindset is (opposing defenses will) leave someone open. I think they will try to let me free and I will make them pay.
Alvarado’s early success in the NBA was in part due to his immediate acceptance of his role as an opportunistic offensive player and defender. It’s something he repeated often this fall. Surrounded by dangerous scorers including Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas, Alvarado is very happy to focus on what he does best.
“We have so much offensive firepower that we don’t worry about what’s going to happen on offense,” he said. “My job is not going to be that difficult. I will press (defensively) every time on the pitch. I have my big dogs to do the rest. I can (defend) for 82 (games), 92, whatever the duration. I can do it. As long as I’m healthy, I’m going to go out there and push as hard as I can.
