THE FLATS – The legend continues to grow as Jose Alvarado earns MVP honors of the Rising Stars game during NBA All-Star Weekend … Josh Okogie has earned his spot in the Suns’ starting lineup … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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ALVARADO IS MVP OF THE NBA RISING STARS GAME
The NBA’s top young talent was on full display during the Jordan Rising Stars Game at All-Star Weekend in Utah on Friday night. The format for the annual exhibition has shifted over the years in order to make the game more competitive, and this time around it featured four teams coached by prominent former NBA players.
The four total teams competed in a three-game mini-tournament that featured the always-exciting Elam Ending — the first two games were played to 40 points, and the championship game was played to 25.
Team Pau bested Team Deron 40-25 in the first game of the tournament, thanks largely to New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, who accounted for 13 of his team’s 40 points. Led by New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes (13 points), Team Joakim took down Team Jason 40-32 in the second game to set up a championship battle between Team Pau and Team Joakim. Those two teams engaged in a competitive affair, and ultimately it was Team Pau that pulled out the 25-20 win to claim the crown.
After hitting the game-winning basket in the final game to propel Team Gasol to victory, Alvarado was rewarded with the MVP Award.
Just as he does during his regular play with the Pelicans, Alvarado’s energy and effort set the tone for his team, and he showed exactly why he’s become a staple in New Orleans’ rotation on the big stage.
- More from CBSSports.com
- NBA.com: Rising Stars invitee Jose Alvarado looking forward to full All-Star Weekend experience
- Pelican Debrief: The legend of Jose Alvarado grows with another storybook chapter
JOSE ALVARADO CALLED GAME ‼️
TEAM PAU WINS #JordanRisingStars pic.twitter.com/EqyNmSdlWT
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2023
Jose Alvarado is the 2023 #JordanRisingStars MVP 🏆 pic.twitter.com/HJnSFryQDw
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2023
From funny pregame interactions to predicting his game-winner, check out the best moments of @GleagueSquadron #GLeagueAlum Jose Alvarado while mic’d up during #JordanRisingStars at #NBAAllStar. pic.twitter.com/AWFLGPV5ZE
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) February 22, 2023
“I’m not 6’5. I’m not athletic. I don’t got the crazy wingspan, but I got heart that you can’t measure.”
Jose Alvarado reflects on his journey after winning the Rising Stars MVP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/bib0mWV99o
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 18, 2023
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ALVARADO DISHES ON ZION, CHRIS PAUL
Before Zion Williamson and Jose Alvarado became teammates with the New Orleans Pelicans, they competed against one another in college. Alvarado recalls the time Williamson blocked his shot with two hands — an event that made the guard despise the forward.
New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado is just in his second year in the NBA yet he’s already in a heated rivalry with Phoenix Suns star guard Chris Paul. Alvarado admits to not being a fan of the Point God, crushing all expectations that young guns like him are expected to get friendly with league icons.
More from The Basketball Network
“I would’ve respected it. You should’ve did it. I just don’t like when people do it against me, they be trying to show me up.”
Jose Alvarado got the green light from Damian Lillard to use the ‘Dame Time’ celebration 👉🏽⌚️ pic.twitter.com/7QePuDipB8
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 22, 2023
Jose Alvarado at NBA Rising Stars Game
Photos courtesy of NBA/Getty Images
OKOGIE KNOCKS DOWN SIX THREES VS. CLIPPERS
While the Valley was introduced to Phoenix’s newest wing Kevin Durant earlier on Thursday, it was another wing who took over for the Suns offensively against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Josh Okogie led his team with 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 6-for-12 from three-point range in a 116-107 loss at Footprint Center.
He added five rebounds, three steals and one assist in a team-high 41 minutes played.
What couldn’t Phoenix Suns wing Josh Okogie do in the first half?! SHEESH🔥🔥🔥
🎥: @JGSports_6 pic.twitter.com/Nj5f5f4ekL
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 17, 2023
PHX stls the inbounds, LAC Timeout, back from timeout, Okogie stl
Okogie splash pic.twitter.com/puOltkQAVX
— Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler) February 17, 2023
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OKOGIE EARNS HIS STARTING ROLE WITH SUNS
If the Suns’ Thursday night loss to the Clippers taught us anything, it is that Josh Okogie has earned his starting role.
The Suns’ big four, which includes Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Kevin Durant, have the attention, they are the identity of this team.
The big question is whether Monty Williams will look at Josh Okogie, Torrey Craig, or even T.J. Warren to fill that final slot in the lineup.
And there seems to be an obvious answer here. Over the past four games since Okogie has seen consistent playing time, the 24-year-old has averaged over 21 PPG, 5 RPG, and has shot 15 of 27 from behind the arc.
This streak stands out tremendously considering Okogie did not score his 20th point on the season until the 18th game.
The consistent playing time has allowed Okogie to prove himself as a dynamic threat on the court. And even better, his performance from the three-point line will force defenses to respect him, taking pressure off the big four.
“Coach has to make his decision, but I can control what I can control by just going out there and playing free and play to the best of my ability.”
Josh Okogie on looking to start along with Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton and Kevin Durant (knee) when he returns. #Suns pic.twitter.com/Wj0yZOICOT
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 17, 2023
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#ProJackets on Social Media
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Come join us Friday, February 24th as we retire the jersey of Christ The King Legend, Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) at 6 P.M. in the Christ The King gymnasium pic.twitter.com/s9qJjkk5k9
— Nick Sanchez (@Slick_Nick126) February 21, 2023
If you’ve never heard the story of Josh Pastner’s recruitment of Jose Alvarado, he shared it with us on his radio show.
It began with a sparsely attended AAU game in Las Vegas, where Pastner was on hand to scout one of Jose’s teammates. And it’s quintessential Jose: pic.twitter.com/ZkO9YnUK6K
— Andy Demetra (@AndyDemetra) February 21, 2023
Jose Alvarado wants to know… what are DeMar’s favorite Kobes to play in?@DeMar_DeRozan | #BullsKicks pic.twitter.com/XeANAnCDiu
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 19, 2023
Be so good they can’t ignore you! pic.twitter.com/mMa9AIGMgk
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) February 19, 2023
Jose Alvarado’s journey is amazing:
-Undrafted out of Georgia Tech in ’21
-Fought for a 2-way contract with Pelicans
-Earned pivotal minutes in Pels’ rotation & playoff run
-Signed 4-yr contract with NOLA this past offseason
-Wins Rising Stars MVPNever counted himself out 💯 pic.twitter.com/qhRj28OKPT
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 18, 2023
#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 |
