New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jose Alvarado on Tuesday called it a dream come true to sign a standard NBA contract after going undrafted last year out of Georgia Tech.
Alvarado, who was previously on a two-way deal, signed a four-year contract worth $6.5 million on Monday. He will reportedly have $3.4 million guaranteed over the next two years after emerging as a key player for the Pelicans recently.
The 23-year-old is averaging 7.2 points, 3.1 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 38 games since entering the rotation on Jan. 3. He recorded a career-high 23 points off of the bench on Saturday in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, which was his 10th game in double figures.
Alvarado was at a loss for words following the signing.
It is amazing. It is another dream come true. It was just a shock. Signing the papers and smiling and seeing my mom and dad and my daughter — everyone was just so excited. You can’t really put into words how bad I dreamed about this and to be finally doing it, it is amazing.
The mission I am on is personal. I owe myself a lot. #BEL15VE pic.twitter.com/Q6anouSz9m
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) March 28, 2022
Alvarado impressed the Pelicans since entering the rotation, often earning praise for his energy and effort. He is often the first in the gym and the last to leave after practice, something that has really resonated with his teammates this season.
The 23-year-old impressed his teammates so much, some of them were on hand to support him after signing his contract, including Brandon Ingram, Naji Marshall and head coach Willie Green.
“It just shows how we are as a team,” Alvarado said. “It is a brotherhood, a family. B.I., Willie and Naji, a lot of people just came out to show me love and it means a lot. For them to take time out of their day and come back to the gym and see them as I signed the papers was pretty cool.”
Alvarado put in an immense amount of work to stay ready for his opportunity. He showed out when called upon and was rewarded accordingly by the team. Now, Alvarado can focus even more on helping the Pelicans get into the playoffs.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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