Tag: jose alvarado

LAYUP LINES: The NBA cannot stop teams from tanking no matter how hard they try

Tanking will never stop in the NBA.

Welcome to Layup Lines, our daily NBA newsletter where we’ll prep you for a tip-off of tonight’s action, from what to watch to bets to make. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every afternoon.

What’s good, fam! It’s Sykes back again with another edition of Layup Lines. Thanks so much for rocking with For The Win the way you do.

Before we get to everything, I want to talk a bit about tanking. The NBA just has not been able to stop it.

To their credit, they’ve tried their best! They flattened the lottery odds out for the top 3 teams, they added the Play-In Tournament, and moved up the trade deadline. Yet, here we are. The Thunder are still sitting half their roster out for the rest of the season. The Magic are giving Admiral Schofield and Iggy Brazdeikas burn in winnable games (with all due respect to the two of them). The Pistons are…trying I guess?

Look, the point is this: Tanking ain’t stopped. We’ve only changed the standards a teeny bit. As long as there is incentive to lose, tanking will exist and the product at the end of each NBA season will be watered down. That just is what it is.

A real way we could stop this from happening is by getting rid of the draft altogether. But, ya know, that’s another conversation for another day.

Moving on!

The Tip-Off

Some NBA goodness from around the USA TODAY Sports network.

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Jose Alvarado is the steal king of the NBA. If you look at the raw numbers, they don’t say that. But in just watching this dude you can see that he is a grade-A ball thief.

He’s literally been hiding on the sidelines over the last few weeks just waiting to steal the ball from these poor, unsuspecting souls. It’s been a joy to watch. It also kind of bears itself out in the numbers:

“This dude Alvarado has quite literally made this into a thing. The numbers behind it are kind of mind-boggling. I guess this is how you average 3.1 steals per 36 minutes, which is a pretty wild rate.”

Better watch yourself around that one, y’all.

One to Watch

(All odds via Tipico.)

Nets (-1.5, -135) vs. Bucks (+110), O/U 242.5, 7:30 ET

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t care what seed either teem is or where they’re positioned in the playoff race right now. Whenever the Nets and Bucks line up across from one another, we’re in for a real treat.

These are two of the best offensive teams in basketball right now. It’s Giannis vs. Durant. It’s Irving vs. Holiday. It’s Khris Middleton taking tough jumpers. We’re in for a real fireworks show. I’m taking the over.

Who’s in and out?

—Finally some good news, Lakers fans! Anthony Davis is a game-time decision for Friday’s matchup against the Pelicans. LeBron James may try to play, too. It won’t help Thursday against the Jazz, but it’s at least good news.

—Evan Mobley is officially out for the Cavaliers’ matchup against the Hawks on Thursday.

—Zach LaVine has had troubles with his knee lately, but he’s probable for Thursday’s game against the Clippers.

—Both Bojan Bogdanovic and Danuel House will give it a go for the Jazz against the Lakers on Thursday as well.

Shootaround

—Joel Embiid was pretty shocked to hear JJ Reddick say Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t a top 3 player and, quite frankly, I was, too.

—Don’t look now, but Jalen Green just broke a couple of NBA rookie records for 3-point shooting. That kid is overlooked now, but he’s going to be amazing someday.

—Nugget analyst Scott Hastings just gave us some incredible investigative reporting. This is how you do it, kids. #Journalism.

—The honeymoon is over in Sixersland. Joel Embiid is already begging James Harden to be a bit more aggressive.

That’s all for today, folks! Enjoy tonight’s action!

NBA players keep falling for Jose Alvarado’s steal trick and NBA fans are so impressed

HOW DOES HE KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH THIS????

Man. Told y’all there were some perks to being short in the NBA. Absolutely nobody pays attention to you, even when it’s pretty clear that they should.

Pelicans’ guard Jose Alvarado just put another player in his bag with his steal trick. You’ve absolutely seen it by now because we told you about it before. He hides on the sideline, always lurking. Then? BOOM. You’re just forced into a turnover because you have no idea he’s coming.

You would think that NBA players playing the Pelicans would be on the lookout for this by now. But nope! Apparently not.

Alvarado got the Blazers on Wednesday night.

HOW DOES HE KEEP DOING THIS?!? The crowd even tries to warn Kris Dunn here with the ball and he still doesn’t recognize what’s happening.

This dude Alvarado has quite literally made this into a thing. The numbers behind it are kind of mind-boggling. I guess this is how you average 3.1 steals per 36 minutes, which is a pretty wild rate.

There’s even more. Per my FTW colleague Bryan Kalbrosky, Alvarado averages more “lost ball” steals per 36 minutes than anyone else in the NBA and is second in steals per 100 possessions with, at least, 300 minutes played.

Those are insane steal numbers. All because NBA players keep falling for, well, that. This dude is good. Real, real good.

Fans are just so impressed by this.

Jose Alvarado reacts to signing four-year contract with Pelicans

Alvarado called it a dream come true to sign a standard NBA contract after going undrafted last year out of Georgia Tech.

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.

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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Report: Pelicans to convert Jose Alvarado to standard NBA contract

Alvarado, who went undrafted out of Georgia Tech, originally signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans last summer.

On Sunday, it was reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic that the New Orleans Pelicans will convert the two-way contract of rookie Jose Alvarado to a four-year deal.

Alvarado, who went undrafted out of Georgia Tech, originally signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans last July. He had played sparingly to begin the season, and even spent time in the NBA G League, but eventually entered the rotation.

Once Alvarado saw a larger tole, the 23-year-old started producing.

He is averaging 7.3 points, 3.2 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 37 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.

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Alvarado impressed the Pelicans since entering the rotation, often earning praise for his energy and effort. The Pelicans rewarded Alvarado with a four-year, $6.5 million contract. He will have $3.4 million guaranteed over the next two years.

He has seemingly stayed ready for his opportunity, and the entire team has been cheering him on. 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 team took notice and signed him to a long-term deal.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Pelicans’ guard Jose Alvarado is literally hiding on the court to force the sneakiest turnovers and it’s hilarious

COOKIIIIIIIESSSSSS

Being short in the NBA seems like it could be a real double-edged sword sometimes. It’s both a gift and a curse.

Of course, it’s a curse because you’re shorter than everyone else even if you’re, like, 6 feet tall on the dot. Sure, you’re taller than regular humans. But amongst your peers? You might as well be a 15 year old.

You’re going to constantly get targeted on defense by taller players and there’s nothing you can really do about it. Sometimes you’re super strong like Chris Paul and can handle those mismatches. But most times, you’re food. It is what it is. Everyone understands.

That all sounds pretty awful. So, you’re probably asking “yo, where’s the gift part?”

Jose Alvarado figured it out.

My dude literally hid on the court by his team’s bench and forced Alex Caruso into a travel. This is just a master class in trickery.  This is amazing.

The wild part? This isn’t the only time he’s done this. He actually does this pretty often at this point — three times this week already.

Alvarado in the cut — that’s a scary sight. This dude is a legend. A genius. A thief. A menace. This is absolutely brilliant stuff here.

He’s putting on for all the 6’0 and under folks out there and I, for one, appreciate this so much. The tall folk better start paying attention or else Alvarado is coming to steal your cookies.

We absolutely love to see it. Fans were so here for this thievery from Alvarado.

Watch our sneaker unboxing series, Special Delivery 

‘We see a ton of positives’: Jose Alvarado impressing with energy, effort

When the Pelicans have needed a spark, Alvarado has often been there to deliver and that resulted in a career night on Saturday.

When the New Orleans Pelicans have needed a spark, Jose Alvarado has often been there to deliver for his team. Unfortunately, his latest effort on Saturday was not enough as the Pelicans lost to the Boston Celtics.

Alvarado produced a career-high 19 points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists in the 107-97 loss. He finished by shooting 8-of-11 from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range, for his third game of the season scoring in double figures.

The Pelicans trailed by 18 points at halftime but Alvarado came in during the third quarter and scored seven points to help cut the deficit down to eight points to end the period. They were unable to get any closer but his effort was recognized afterward.

“Jose is a spark for us,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green said. “Whenever he touches the floor, good things happen. He brings energy, he defends. He is getting more comfortable with the offense. He is getting guys involved. We see a ton of positives from him.”

After rarely playing over the first two months of the season, Alvarado entered the rotation on Jan. 1. He has provided the Pelicans with a great spark off the bench and has been commended for the way he leads the second unit with his pace.

Alvarado credits the work he has put in for his strong run as of late.

I work my butt off every day, the shots just fell in for me today. That is just who I am. I believe in myself at a high level but also my teammates and coaching staff just giving me that confidence and telling me to be myself.

Said Pelicans veteran Garrett Temple:

Jose came in and gave us an amazing spark. It wasn’t his ability to score but the pace he was able to play with, getting downhill. … That is why he has been able to crack the rotation. He took the opportunity. No matter what he does offensively in terms of points, he is able to bring that energy and pace.

Alvarado has seemingly stayed ready for his recent opportunity, and the entire team has been cheering him on. 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.

That work has been on full display for Alvarado and the Pelicans.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Joel Embiid explains why he paid fine for Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid explains why he paid the fine for New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado.

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is not one to show much sympathy when he leads a player into a technical foul. The known troll is one of those players who will get in a player’s head and when they get a technical foul, he enjoys it.

However, in Tuesday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Embiid got into it with guard Jose Alvarado. They were both assessed double technical fouls and with it, comes a fine from the league.

Embiid stepped up and paid Alvarado’s fine which he revealed Embiid did to the New Orleans media. After a win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Embiid explained why he paid his fine, but he also didn’t expect it to come out like that.

“I wasn’t expecting that to come out, but I felt bad for him,” said Embiid. “We played against the Pelicans and I watch a lot of basketball. Any time I’m not doing anything, I’m always watching other games and stuff, and I just like his energy. He plays hard, he competes, even when he picked up the tech, he wasn’t backing down.”

Embiid went on to say how much he respected Alvarado as a competitor and that was a big reason why he stepped up.

“It was just regular trash talk,” Embiid added. “Two guys going at each other on the court, but he didn’t back down, and I respected him. I like that about him so after the game, I really just went up to him and I told him to keep fighting and to keep it going.”

Also, Alvarado is on a two-way contract. He will make $462,629 in the 2021-22 season while Embiid will make $31.6 million. He wanted to step up and help Alvarado rather than have him pay the fine himself.

“The other part, I felt like he’s on a 10-day? (He was informed that Alvarado was signed) oh, he just got signed? Great,” the big fella finished. “Great, so I just felt like that’s the least I could do because I made him pick up the tech and he obviously doesn’t make as much as a lot of guys in the league. I just felt like that was on me and I didn’t want him to lose that money because I’m sure we all need it.”

This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Joel Embiid paid Jose Alvarado’s technical foul fine after scuffle

Embiid offered to pay the technical foul fine for Alvarado after they were involved in a verbal altercation this week.

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jose Alvarado on Tuesday received his first career technical foul after getting involved in a verbal altercation with Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.

The incident began to unfold in the second quarter. Embiid had his shot blocked by Willy Hernangomez and was then issued a personal foul for contact on Garrett Temple. He appeared to accidentally run into Temple after the block, which prompted words from Alvarado.

Alvarado and Embiid were then each hit with technical fouls.

Players that receive technical fouls are also fined $2,000 each for their first five infractions so Alvarado will be docked on his next check. However, Embiid, who is on a max contract, offered to pay the fine for Alvarado, who is signed to a two-way contract.

“I said, ‘Man, you know I can’t afford that tech!'” Alvarado said of the incident. “He is pretty cool. He did a generous thing and actually went out of his way and got in contact with me and paid the fine for me. We talked during the game and it was all love and respect. It was in the heat of the moment, nothing personal.”

The two players were later involved in a jump-ball situation after they both chased after a loose ball. Despite that, they managed to finish out the rest of the 76ers’ 117-107 victory without further incident after their light exchange of words.

Embiid recorded 42 points and 14 rebounds while Alvarado had 11 points.

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

The situation between Alvarado and Embiid goes to show that what happens in between the lines stays there. As Alvarado eluded to, they were able to show each other some love after the game and Embiid extended that gesture even further by picking up Alvarado’s fine.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Jose Alvarado gives incredible postgame interview after career night

In front of 20 friends and family, Alvarado scored a career-high to help lead the Pelicans to a win over the Knicks at the Garden.

In front of his friends and family, Jose Alvarado turned in a career night to help lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Alvarado, who was born in Brooklyn, produced a career-high 13 points, four rebounds and four steals in the 102-91 win over the Knicks. He went 6-of-9 from the field, including 1-of-2 from 3-point range, in a season-high 20 minutes of action.

The undrafted guard from Georgia Tech had 20 friends and family in attendance, including his parents and little brother. He revealed that teammates Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart helped pick up the tab on the extra tickets needed to accommodate everyone.

Alvarado reflected on what the evening meant to him.

I don’t know how to say it. Just seeing my parents with my jerseys and all of the folks that came out to see me, means a lot. If you would have told me this would happen five years ago, I wouldn’t believe it. It is just a dream come true. I’m at the Garden and I won, and I’m doing the interview with y’all and my people are right there. You can’t make that up. It is just a great win for us and I’m just so happy. Y’all don’t understand how happy I am.

With his friends and family there, Alvarado stepped up and helped the Pelicans finish off a three-game road trip with a win. They had dropped their first two games of the trip but bounced back on Thursday with a dominating second-half performance, leading by as many as 25 points.

“Jose was fantastic,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green said. “The moment he entered into the game, he changed it with his effort, physicality, picking up full court and energy, and that led to his ability to spark us on the offensive end. The basketball finds energy and Jose came in and gave us a huge lift off the bench tonight.”

With the Pelicans dealing with the health and safety protocol and other injuries as of late, Alvarado has played a more prominent role with the team. He has appeared in each of the last nine games, averaging 4.7 points, 2.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 rebounds.

Alvarado has seemingly stayed ready for his recent opportunity and the entire team has been cheering him on. 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.

Said Hart:

He’s just a great dude. He’s full of joy, full of love. I think that’s the biggest thing. We see that. We see the hard work, we see him out there just grinding. Guys like that, you always want them to do well — in basketball, but also in life. He has all our confidence and trust when he’s on the court and we’re going to keep relying on him to give us energy and a spark off the bench.

The Pelicans have a few days off before returning to play on Monday versus the Indiana Pacers, which will give Alvarado some time to reflect on his career performance at home.

Certainly, it will be a night he won’t forget for a long time.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Live tracker: Here is where the top undrafted free agents have signed

The 2021 NBA draft has come and gone but the draft cycle still continues for a bit longer as the undrafted free agents find their new homes.

The 2021 NBA draft has come and gone but the draft cycle still continues for a bit longer as the undrafted free agents find their new homes.

While the following prospects didn’t get to hear their name called by the commissioner or deputy commissioner on Thursday night, they can find solace in the fact that their path to the pros is far from over. It’s not unheard of for an undrafted free agent to carve out a role for themselves in the NBA.

Some notable names, including Gonzaga’s Joel Ayayi and G League Ignite’s Daishen Nix, will join the fraternity of undrafted basketball players who hope to still make a name for themselves in the NBA.

Here is where the best remaining prospects have landed so far, according to reports: