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Georgia Tech #ProJackets Basketball Report

THE FLATSJose Alvarado is one of the last of a dying breed … A case for Alvarado to play more … Jordan Usher’s move to the bench coincides with rise of Perth Wildcats … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.

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LAST OF A DYING BREED

In today’s NBA, the league is undeniably dominated by big men.

The last five MVPs went to Giannis Antetokounmpo (two), Nikola Jokic (two) and Joel Embiid. Rookies Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren stand at a towering 7-foot-4 and 7-foot-1 respectively, and both are starting to make their mark in the NBA.

As the league embraces this new era filled with giants, it is awesome to see the two sub-6-foot guys match up against each other: New Orleans’ Jose Alvarado and Minnesota’s Jordan McLaughlin.

Alvarado and McLaughlin, who are both listed as 5-foot-11 without shoes, have each carved out a role on their squad. The two provide different valuable skills off the bench, and they have been vital pieces to their team’s success.

Alvarado impacts the game on the defensive end by suffocating and pestering ball-handlers. He also comes up with his signature blindside steals, which earned him the nickname Grand Theft Alvarado (GTA). McLaughlin, on the other hand, is a crafty playmaker who sets up the Wolves’ offense off the bench and serves as a reliable backup for Mike Conley.

More from BasketballNews.com

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ALVARADO READY FOR PRIME TIME PLAY

New Orleans guard Jose Alvarado is ready for more primetime play, and the Pelicans need him.  It’s no doubt Jose is the Pelicans’ sparkplug, much like Taysom Hill is for the New Orleans Saints.

He’s a rising star in the NBA. Jose’s known for his steals, treys, pesky play, and quick thinking.  All earning him the moniker of “Grand Theft Alvarado.”  Just ask the living court legend LeBron James.  On the New Year’s Eve win over the Lakers, the Pelicans’ guard picked the pocket of James twice, leading to scoring opportunities.

“He’s one of our emotional leaders, and his ability to impact this team with his energy, with his effort – it was huge tonight,” Coach Willie Green said of Alvarado’s performance.  “Big steals that led to transition baskets for us. Once again, it’s a blessing to have a guy like that on your team, who can really ignite the whole building, and that’s what he does when he touches the floor.”

More from Pelicans Scoop

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USHER TALKS ABOUT MOVE TO THE BENCH FOR PERTH WILDCATS

Perth import Jordan Usher has opened up on his mid-season role change, which resulted in a move to the bench for the resurgent Wildcats.

Usher started the campaign with a bang, scoring 35 points in the season-opener, but was shuffled to the bench in Round 6 after a dip in form.

Since then, the 25-year-old has settled into his adjusted role in John Rillie’s system, with Usher’s improvement coinciding with Perth’s rise up the ladder.

“It’s never a hit to the ego,” Usher told The West Australian’s The Dribble Podcast.

“You have to be resilient to that type of stuff, especially in-house or anything with my teammates or my own coaches. If that’s what we think is going to win more games, then I am all for it.”

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#PROJACKETS IN THE NBA/G LEAGUE IN 2023-24

PLAYERDATANUMBERSTEAM
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

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