New Jose Alvarado contract means more “yes, I can shoot” moments

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 10: Jose Alvarado #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter of an NBA game against the Miami Heat at Smoothie King Center on February 10, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

The New Orleans Pelicans have had their season dominated by a single storyline – the absence of Zion Williamson. And while that has, for the most part, been resolved with Williamson’s return to the team, that’s by far been the biggest question mark surrounding their season.

They got off to one of the worst starts to the season, but have managed to pull things all the way back. New Orleans now sits at ninth in the Western Conference, ready to host a play-in game.

While that might not be where they wanted to be at the start of the year, this year has had its positives, too. And one of those positives just got even better.

New Jose Alvarado contract means more “yes, I can shoot” moments

According to Shams Charania, the Pelicans just signed rookie point guard Jose Alvarado to a four-year, $6.5 million deal. Previously, he was on a two-way contract with the Pels.

Alvarado will now be guaranteed $3.4 million over the next two seasons, which includes an additional $1.5 million this year on top of the $800k he has already earned.

In a season dominated by the absence of Williamson, Alvarado has provided a positive spark to the rotation. His amazing energy and constant hustle have lifted the Pelicans this year.

The 23-year-old burst onto the scene thanks to his amazing personality and stayed on the court thanks to the way he approaches the game. It’s not surprising that New Orleans wanted to reward him with a shiny new contract.

So far this season, Alvarado is averaging 6.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from behind the three-point line.

He’s played in 46 games for the Pelicans this year, starting only one, but averaging 15.3 minutes a night. Alvarado is as scrappy as they come and is helping the Pelicans enforce a new identity of constant hustle.

It’s awesome to see an undrafted rookie like Alvarado get rewarded for his hard work. Let’s hope he continues to be awesome, because we desperately need more “yes, I can shoot” moments.

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