THE FLATS – Jose Alvarado uses craftiness to earn rotation spot for Pelicans … Alvarado gets first career technical, Embiid pays his fine … Derrick Favors slipping in OKC rotation … Chris Bosh inducted into another hall of fame … Moses Wright gets NBA all-star votes … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
*****
CRAFTINESS HELPS ALVARADO CLAIM BACKUP ROLE FOR PELICANS
Craftiness is one quality that has allowed Jose Alvarado to burst his way into the Pelicans’ rotation as a rookie on a two-way deal. Tuesday, Alvarado tallied 11 points (4-of-11 FG), five assists, two steals and two blocks with zero turnovers in the first start of his NBA career.
Alvarado has seized the Pelicans’ backup point guard minutes in January. With four of the Pelicans’ regular starters sidelined Tuesday, Alvarado made a spot start.
Despite an enormous size disparity, Alvarado wasn’t afraid to mix it up with Embiid, an MVP candidate. A few minutes before they competed for the same jump ball, they were both assessed technical fouls for arguing with each other.
*****
EMBIID OFFERS TO PAY FINE FOR ALVARADO’S FIRST TECHNICAL
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.
Alvarado produced 11 points (4-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-4 FT), three rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals over 33 minutes during Tuesday’s 117-107 loss to the 76ers.
The undrafted rookie out of Georgia Tech made his first career start with Devonte’ Graham, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart out with ankle injuries, and he tied for the team lead in assists and blocks. It was the first time all season Alvarado played more than 20 minutes in a game.
Alvarado experiences unique first meeting with Joel Embiid (Pelicans.com)
STORY: Joel Embiid is covering Jose Alvarado’s fine for their double tech Tuesday.
But why?
Embiid: “He plays hard. He competes. Even when he picked up the tech, he wasn’t backing down… He didn’t back down. I respected that. I like that about him.”https://t.co/4jTg1iTzbg
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) January 28, 2022
Joel Embiid on Jose Alvarado: “I just like his energy. He plays hard, he competes. Even when he picked up the tech, he wasn’t backing down.”
“I just felt like that’s the least I could do because I made him pick up the tech… I didn’t want him to lose that money.” pic.twitter.com/XLGnb9DORu
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) January 28, 2022
*****
FAVORS SLIPS IN OKC ROTATION
Through 12 games this month since the start of 2022, Thunder veteran Derrick Favors has only played in four contests. With a combination of minor injuries and simply not being played when active, he’s been absent from the rotation in Oklahoma City of late.
In the month of January, Favors has played less than 60 total minutes, earning just two starts. With the Feb. 10 trade deadline inching closer, his situation in OKC is certainly one to monitor.
While he won’t be a player many teams will be proactively calling on, Favors has the largest payroll on the team this season as he makes roughly $9.7 million. As such, he’s one of the main levers the Thunder could pull in a larger, complex deal. Although Oklahoma City can absorb nearly any contract around the league into its cap space, Favors’ deal gives them extra flexibility.
*****
ANOTHER HALL OF FAME NOD FOR CHRIS BOSH
National Basketball Association Hall of Famer Chris Bosh was inducted into the Dallas ISD Athletic Hall of Fame in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday.
The 11-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion is a graduate of Lincoln High School in Dallas where he won the Texas Class 4A State Championship in 2002, was named the High School Player of the Year by Basketball America and the PowerAde Player of the Year in Texas.
Bosh led Lincoln High School to an undefeated season and a state championship his senior year averaging 21.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game.
*****
MOSES WRIGHT GETS NBA ALL-STAR VOTES
It has become an annual joke, one that NBA players keep repeating.
For the sixth consecutive year, players had the right to have a significant say in the process of deciding who will start the All-Star Game. The NBA uses a formula to do that now, with fan voting counting for 50% of the total, a media panel counting for 25% and the players themselves getting 25%.
And, also for the sixth consecutive year, most players didn’t take the process seriously.
Moses Wright, who has starred in the G League, played in one game, logging 88 scoreless seconds, for the Clippers. He got two starter votes.
Our player of the game presented by Four Points by Sheraton Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga is Moses Wright with 22 points, 2 steals, and 4 rebounds. pic.twitter.com/kU2VhUROgY
— AguaCalienteClippers (@ACClippers) January 25, 2022
Georgia Tech Alum/ @acclippers PF Moses Wright (@mant12_) game smooth and gets active around the rim🔥 22 pts last night for Wright vs Stockton Kings. #laclippers #nbagleague #georgiatech @ashtenjewell pic.twitter.com/DNQbagwxZi
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) January 25, 2022
*****
#ProJackets on Social Media
🤣🤣🤣🤣 I’m weak …. @Tre3Jones https://t.co/8huHNE6D5A
— Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) January 28, 2022
Just a couple kids from Brooklyn @AlvaradoJose15 @TracyMorgan pic.twitter.com/Hl0No78Bh4
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 21, 2022
Jose Alvarado Floater pic.twitter.com/fBiQ9Kf2nM
— Jackson Lloyd (@JLloyd952) January 21, 2022
Last night, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart bought 20 tickets for the family of rookie teammate (and NYC native) Jose Alvarado for his first game at MSG.
You LOVE to see it. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RvuJ44oUPH
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 22, 2022
Point God 🔥🔥🔥
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) January 25, 2022
#PROJACKETS IN THE NBA/G LEAGUE IN 2023-24
| PLAYER | DATA | NUMBERS | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|
 | JOSE ALVARADO Team: New Orleans Pelicans Number: 15 NBA Experience: 3rd year Years at Georgia Tech: 2017-21 Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. Status: Active | 6-0, 179 lbs 2023-24 Stats 7.1 ppg 2.3 rpg 2.1 apg 41.2% FG | Record: 49-33 Standing: 7th place, -8.0 GB Streak: L1 Last 10: 5-5 |
 | JAMES BANKS III Team: Maine Celtics Number: 5 G League Experience: 3rd year Years at Georgia Tech: 2018-20 Hometown: Atlanta, Ga. Status: Active | 6-10, 250 lbs 2023-24 Stats 5.3 ppg 4.7 rpg 1.5 bpg 54.2% FG | Record: 21-13 Standing: 2nd place, -1.0 GB Streak: W1 Last 10: 8-2 |
 | MICHAEL DEVOE Team: Memphis Hustle Number: 10 G League Experience: 2nd year Years at Georgia Tech: 2017-21 Hometown: Orlando, Fla. Status: Active | 6-4, 183 lbs 2023-24 Stats 13.9 ppg 3.9 rpg 3.1 apg 47.4% FG | Record: 15-19 Standing: 12th, -9.0 GB Streak: W1 Last 10: 3-7 |
 | DERRICK FAVORS Team: Windy City Bulls (G League) Number: 14 NBA Experience: 12 seasons Years at Georgia Tech: 2009-10 Hometown: Atlanta, Ga. Status: Active | 6-9, 265 lbs 2023-24 Stats 6.2 ppg 4.7 rpg 0.7 bpg 66.7% FG | Record: 15-19 Standing: 13th place, -7.0 GB Streak: L1 Last 10: 4-6 |
 | JOSH OKOGIE Team: Phoenix Suns Number: 2 NBA Experience: 5 seasons Years at Georgia Tech: 2016-18 Hometown: Snellville, Ga. Status: Active | 6-4, 213 lbs 2023-24 Stats 4.6 ppg 2.6 rpg 1.1 apg 41.7% FG | Record: 49-33 Standing: 6th place, -8.0 GB Streak: W3 Last 10: 7-3 |
 | THADDEUS YOUNG Team: free agent Number: 30 NBA Experience: 16 seasons Years at Georgia Tech: 2006-07 Hometown: Memphis, Tenn. Status: Active | 6-8, 235 lbs 2023-24 Stats 4.2 ppg 3.0 rpg 1.7 apg 60.2% FG | Record: 49-33 Standing: 6th place, -8.0 GB Streak: W3 Last 10: 7-3 |
Georgia Tech Eurobasket Report
As of January 17
Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-91, graduated ’14, plays pro in China) could not help Fujian Sturgeons (5-18) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Fujian Sturgeons lost120-109on the road to the much higher-ranked (#8) Loongs. Golden was the top scorer with 46 points. He also added 5 rebounds and dished 9 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) in 40 minutes. It was Fujian Sturgeons’ third consecutive loss in a row. Golden has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages 40.3ppg, 5.9rpg, 10.4apg and 1.3spg in nine games he played so far.
Experienced Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-87, graduated ’09, plays in Iran) was the major contributor in Chemidor’s victory against the fourth-ranked Niroo Zamini (0-16) crushing them 83-63 in a derby game in the Iranian Superleague on Thursday night. He recorded 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Chemidor Tehran (14-2) is placed first in Group E. There are only four games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be critical. This season Aminu has very high stats. He averages 16.0ppg and 12.0rpg.
Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-94, graduated ’17, currently in Belgium), who plays in Belgium was not able to help Stella Artois Leuven Bears (8-6) in their last game. Despite Heath’s very good performance Stella Artois Leuven Bears lost90-77on the opponent’s court to the leading Oostende. He was the second best scorer with 23 points. Heath also added 7 assists and 5 steals in 36 minutes. It was Stella Artois Leuven Bears’ first loss after three consecutive victories. His team will play only one more game in the BNXT League Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Heath has relatively good stats this year 12.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 6.2apg and 1.4spg in 14 games.
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-92, graduated ’16, plays pro in Israel) led his Israeli team Hapoel UNET Holon to a 2-point victory against the closely-ranked Besiktas (3-3) 72-70 in the Basketball Champions League last Wednesday. Smith scored 11 points and added 3 passes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Hapoel UNET Holon (4-2) is placed second in the Basketball Champions League. It’s Smith’s first season with the team. This year he averages 10.0ppg, 2.0rpg and 2.7apg.
Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-91, graduated ’12, plays in Israel) was not able to secure a victory for one of league’s weakest teams M.Haifa (3-3) in their last game. Despite his very good performance M.Haifa lost88-81in Botevgrad to the second-ranked Balkan. Rice Jr. was the second best scorer with 19 points. He also added 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals in 27 minutes. The Regular Season already ended in the Balkan League. It’s Rice Jr.’s first season with the team. Rice Jr. has very impressive stats this year 16.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.0apg and 2.8spg in four games.
Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-88, graduated ’10, currently in France) led Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket to a victory against the second-ranked JL Bourg 98-97 in the French Betclic ELITE ProA in Saturday night’s game. Lawal recorded 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. He has relatively good stats this season 13.9ppg and 6.8rpg. Lawal is a naturalized Nigerian.
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-98, graduated ’21, plays pro in the NBA) managed to help New Orleans Pelicans in a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers crushing them 113-89 in the NBA last Thursday. Alvarado recorded only 4 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in 15 minutes. This year he averages 2.4ppg, 1.1rpg and 1.4apg in 16 games.
Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-91, graduated ’10, plays in the NBA) couldn’t help the Oklahoma City Thunder in their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. Favors scored 6 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. His team was defeated 107-102 in the NBA. This season he averages 5.1ppg and 4.6rpg.
Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-95, graduated ’19, currently in Czech Republic) contributed to a Usti n/Labem’s victory against the closely-ranked Decin 77-73 in the Czech Republic NBL in Saturday night’s game. Alston recorded 10 points, 3 assists and 3 steals in 32 minutes. This year he averages 6.7ppg, 2.5rpg and 1.3apg in 17 games.
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-98, graduated ’18, plays pro in the NBA) helped Minnesota Timberwolves win their game against the Houston Rockets 141-123 in the NBA last Sunday. He scored only 4 points. This season Okogie averages 2.6ppg and 2.0rpg. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Other former Georgia Institute of Technology players, who play in pro basketball:
- Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-95) plays for ALBA Berlin in German BBL
- Moses Wright (6’9”-F-98) plays for Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA
- Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-88) plays for San Antonio Spurs in the NBA
- Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-98) plays for SeaHorses Mikawa in Japanese B1 League
- Zachery Peacock (6’8”-F/C-87) plays for FOS Provence Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA
- Kammeon Holsey (6’8”-F-90) plays for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League
- Daniel Miller (6’11”-C-91) plays for Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in Japanese B1 League
- Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-83) plays for Shinshu BW in Japanese B1 League
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-F-94) plays for Konyaspor in Turkish TBL
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-99) plays for New Bayazet in Armenian Caucasus BL
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-98) plays for Birmingham Squadron in the NBA G League
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-92) plays for Yamaguchi in Japanese B3 League
- Shembari Phillips (6’3”-G-97) plays for EPG Baskets Koblenz in German ProB
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.
