THE FLATS – Is Jose Alvarado a better fit in the Pelicans’ starting lineup? … More trade talk for Thaddeus Young, Josh Okogie and Derrick Favors as deadline approaches … James Banks III actually is traded in the G League … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
*****
IS ALVARADO A BETTER FIT IN PELICANS’ STARTING LINEUP?
The New Orleans Pelicans have won three in a row and have finally been getting contributions from their bench.
Things changed when Jose Alvarado started getting regular minutes, as he provides a spark on both ends with his hustle and ability to make plays.
The team also rallies around him, which you love to see, and his play, along with the recent surge of Jaxson Hayes, has been a big part of the Pels passing the Trail Blazers for the final spot in the play-in tournament.
Without Zion Williamson or a real point guard, the Pelicans have mostly relied on Brandon Ingram to initiate the offense, which has worked well at times, but the offense has been down overall.
This is why some fans believe Jose Alvarado might be a better fit with the starting unit than Devonte’ Graham, who has always played off the ball.
Name something better than 90 seconds of @alvaradojose15 mic’d up 🤣 pic.twitter.com/2aBl6eCWNd
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 7, 2022
Every Jose Alvarado steal this season. pic.twitter.com/yxYhUiddUr
— The Pelicans Wave (@thepelicanswave) February 4, 2022
*****
ALVARADO AND PATRICK BEVERLY
There are very few players in the league that have the grit and grind that Patrick Beverley has. The Pelicans got themselves one such gem when they landed the undrafted rookie – Jose Alvarado this off-season.
The two-way contract holder for New Orleans has been one of the most efficient guards in the league, especially since getting the chance to start for his team last week against Joel Embiid and the Sixers.
Alvarado’s per 36 minute stats are over 14 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 0.7 turnovers, 3.5 steals, and a +5 plus-minus. Those 8.5+ assists per turnover and 3.5 steals per game would make him an elite point guard in the league.
*****
BIRMINGHAM TRADES BANKS TO TEXAS
The Birmingham Squadron announced Wednesday that the team has acquired a first-round pick (from Capital City via Salt Lake City and Maine) in the 2022 NBA G League Draft in a trade with the Texas Legends. In exchange, the Squadron have traded center James Banks III and their own 2022 third-round draft pick.
Banks played in 24 games with the Squadron this season, averaging 5.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 0.7 steals in 18.3 minutes per game.
Prior to joining the Squadron, Banks played overseas in Israel with Hapoel Beer Sheva, averaging 5.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 17 games. He then joined the New Orleans Pelicans in training camp, where he was later allocated to the Squadron. Banks split his collegiate career between the University of Texas (2016-18) and Georgia Tech (2018-20).
We’ve acquired @1jamesbanks thru a trade with the @GleagueSquadron. Welcome back to the Lone Star State, James! 🤠 pic.twitter.com/C3FnTg6X4v
— Texas Legends (@TexasLegends) February 9, 2022
*****
LATEST TRADE TALK SURROUNDING THADDEUS YOUNG
The Timberwolves and Suns are among the teams that have expressed interest in trading for veteran Spurs forward Thaddeus Young, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Young, who was sent from the Bulls to the Spurs in the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade in the offseason, had a nice year in Chicago last season, averaging 12.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 4.3 APG in 68 games (24.3 MPG).
However, he was essentially just a salary-matching placeholder in that DeRozan deal and hasn’t been used much in San Antonio this season. His averages of 6.1 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 14.2 MPG in 26 games are career lows.
Still, the Spurs are hopeful they’ll be able to find a trade partner willing to give up at least one draft pick for Young, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, who hears that San Antonio and Minnesota have discussed a deal that would feature Taurean Prince. Scotto has heard the same thing, writing that the two teams have had exploratory talks about a trade that would send Prince and a second-round pick to the Spurs for Young.
Young closed last Thursday’s 112-95 loss to the Heat with seven points (3-4 FG, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and two steals in 24 minutes.
Young was called upon to inherit additional load while Jakob Poetlt is in concussion protocol, resulting in his most paying time since mid-November.
Thaddeus Young is expected to reach a buyout agreement if he’s not moved, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/P526KQOU12
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 8, 2022
*****
REPORTED TRADE INTEREST IN JOSH OKOGIE
Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype notes that the Utah Jazz after help from defensive-minded wings. The Wolves have a player who fits that exact role that has not been a consistent member of the rotation in Josh Okogie. He’s one of four names listed by Scotto as targets of the Jazz.
Okogie’s rookie contract expires at the end of the season, making him a restricted free agent. While this has been the most disappointing season of Okogie’s career to date, he can still function as a lockdown defender depending on the matchup.
The outside shot has never materialized. For his career, Okogie has shot a paltry 30 percent on corner 3-point attempts and 27.4 percent overall from deep. If he could simply shoot something approaching league-average from the corner, Okogie would be far more playable as more than just a fringe rotation piece.
More from DunkingwithWolves.com
Josh Okogie’s First Day… Josh Okogie’s Last Day 😢 pic.twitter.com/tjtiVlkzCJ
— Spongewolf (@bbuckets16) February 10, 2022
*****
COULD DERRICK FAVORS BE MOVING?
With the NBA trade deadline approaching, a few players are said to be on the verge of being bought out. Derrick Favors, a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, is one of those players.
While Derrick Favors isn’t the ideal choice for many teams, his 6 foot 9′ height allows him to be more than adequate. This season, he’s only playing a little part for the Thunder, which is fine since he’ll be doing the same thing for many other teams that decide to take a chance on him. Favors will not be asked to play more than 25 minutes per night for any team; instead, they will be looking for a serviceable player who can chew up minutes for them.
Three teams who could be interested in Derrick Favors if he’s bought outhttps://t.co/zxOfEQgpo8
— Sixers Nation (@SixersNationCP) February 10, 2022
*****
#ProJackets on Social Media
Yes, I Can Shoot!! Go get your shirts & Hoodies ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/4pfygQq6gb @theplayerstrunk pic.twitter.com/E42tuOxMIr
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) February 7, 2022
That’s my dawg. Real life ! https://t.co/3cOOj7rGYw
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) February 5, 2022
“Yes I can shoot”
Jose Alvarado answering DLo’s questions. 😂
(🎥: @PelicansNBA) pic.twitter.com/f85v4ZblB6
— theScore (@theScore) February 6, 2022
How Samantha Bee and Chris Bosh Focus:
Six luminaries, including astronaut Scott Kelly, weigh in on what “focus” means to them. https://t.co/iVSCWIHH7J pic.twitter.com/USp22U9h0h
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) February 7, 2022
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) February 8, 2022
Leaving it! pic.twitter.com/UBhhtueHmu
— ASOM (@ASOM233334) February 10, 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 February 11, 2022
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-98, graduated ’21, plays pro in the NBA) could not help the New Orleans Pelicans (22-33) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the New Orleans Pelicans (22-33) lost112-97on the road to the Miami Heat. Alvarado was the top scorer with 17 points in 20 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it’s only his first season in pro basketball. It was Pelicans’ first loss after four consecutive victories. This year Alvarado averages 5.2ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.0apg and 1.1spg in 28 games he played so far.
Experienced Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-88, graduated ’10, plays in France) led Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket to a surprising victory over the seventh-ranked Provence Basket (1-3) 81-72 in the French Betclic ELITE ProA last Friday. He was MVP of the game. Lawal recorded 22 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket (7-12) is placed 14th in the Betclic ELITE ProA. Lawal has relatively good stats this season 13.9ppg and 6.4rpg. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-95, graduated ’18, currently in Germany) contributed to an ALBA Berlin’s shocking victory against the fourth-ranked Zenit (14-9) 76-67 in the Euroleague on Thursday night. He scored 9 points and blocked 2 shots in 16 minutes. ALBA Berlin (8-16) is placed 15th in the Euroleague. This year Lammers averages 7.2ppg, 2.7rpg and 1.1bpg in 17 games.
Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-94, graduated ’16, plays pro in the NBA G League) led College Park SkyHawks to a victory against the Westchester Knicks (6-8) 123-118 in the NBA G League in Thursday night’s game. Georges-Hunt scored 21 points, had 8 rebounds and made 2 blocks. The College Park SkyHawks have 8-6 record this season. This year Georges-Hunt averages 9.3ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.6apg. He is a naturalized Virgin Islander.
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-92, graduated ’16, currently in Israel) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked EnBW Ludwigsburg 69-51 in the Basketball Champions League on Wednesday night. He scored 6 points. Smith has relatively good stats this season 12.5ppg, 3.3rpg and 2.5apg.
Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-98, graduated ’19, plays pro in Japan) was not able to secure a victory for SeaHorses Mikawa (16-14) in their last game. Despite Schafer’s good performance the fifth-placed SeaHorses Mikawa lost86-82in Shimane to the second-ranked Shimane SM in the West group. He scored 10 points in 33 minutes. This year Schafer averages 6.7ppg and 5.2rpg in 30 games. He is a naturalized Japanese.
Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-91, graduated ’10, plays in the NBA) couldn’t help the Oklahoma City Thunder in their game against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. He scored only 4 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. His team was defeated 110-98 in the NBA. This season Favors averages 4.9ppg and 4.7rpg.
Zachery Peacock (6’8”-F/C-87, graduated ’10, currently in France) faced previously mentioned Gani Lawal in the French Betclic ELITE ProA last game. Peacock couldn’t help FOS Provence Basket in their game against Chalons-Reims. He recorded 7 points in only 14 minutes. His team lost 72-81. This year Peacock averages 9.2ppg, 3.2rpg and 2.3apg in 10 games.
Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-83, graduated ’05, plays pro in Japan) contributed to an easy victory against the tenth-ranked Kyoto Hannaryz crushing them 82-58 in the Japanese B1 League in Saturday night’s game. McHenry scored 8 points. He has relatively good stats this season 11.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 3.7apg and 1.5spg.
Other former Georgia Institute of Technology players, who play in pro basketball:
- Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-87) plays for Chemidor in Iranian Superleague
- Moses Wright (6’9”-F-98) plays for Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA
- Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-98) plays for Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA
- Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-91) plays for Fujian Sturgeons in Chinese CBA
- Joshua Heath (6’1”-PG-94) plays for Stella Artois Leuven Bears in Belgian BNXT League
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-91) plays for M.Haifa in Israeli National League
- Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-95) plays for Usti n/Labem in Czech Republic NBL
- Daniel Miller (6’11”-C-91) plays for Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in Japanese B1 League
- Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-93) played for Dorados de Chihuahua in Mexican LNBP last year
- James White (6’9”-F-93) played for Mauricio Baez in Dominican Rep. TBS last year
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-99) plays for New Bayazet in Armenian Caucasus BL
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-F-94) plays for Konyaspor in Turkish TBL
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-92) plays for Yamaguchi in Japanese B3 League
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-98) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G 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.
