THE FLATS – Jose 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.
1K for Jose Alvarado 🙌@PelicansNBA | #Pelicans | 📺:BSNO pic.twitter.com/oqjRq9zjq3
— Bally Sports New Orleans (@BallySportsNO) December 29, 2023
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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.”
“We want to be the best so we gotta compete with the best so that’s what we did today.”
Jose Alvarado or Ric Flair 🤷♂️@PelicansNBA | #Pelicans | @BallySports 📺 pic.twitter.com/MpdUKZP3Hl
— Bally Sports New Orleans (@BallySportsNO) January 4, 2024
Zion and Jose Alvarado talking about GTA’s 3 steals on LeBron!
8 PTS | 4 STL | 3 REB | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/kXWqBcuRdC
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 1, 2024
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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.”
“It’s never a hit to the ego.”
Perth Wildcats star Jordan Usher has lifted the lid on his thoughts about his role change and move to the bench. 😼
Full story ⤵️https://t.co/Wzu4geZUhc
— NBL (@NBL) January 4, 2024
Nice soft touch on this pass from Jordan Usher. pic.twitter.com/q5mbJ31tQQ
— Olgun’s Notebook (@OlgsNotebook) December 28, 2023
#ProJackets on Social Media
From undrafted to 1,000 career points.
Congrats, @AlvaradoJose15 👏 pic.twitter.com/m8cgLWJr7R
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 29, 2023
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#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 |
