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THE FLATS – Josh Okogie traded to Hornets, begins new chapter in Charlotte, but will he stay long? … Jose Alvarado and the New Orleans bench making big impact for Pelicans … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
JOSH OKOGIE BEGINS NEW CHAPTER IN NBA CAREER IN CHARLOTTE
Last week, the Charlotte Hornets made the first of what is expected to be a handful of trades this season, sending center Nick Richards and a second-round draft pick to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for veteran guard Josh Okogie and three second-round draft picks.
Prior to the team’s game in Chicago, FanDuel Sports Network sideline reporter Shannon Spake caught up with the newest member of the Hornets to get his reaction on the trade and being dealt in the middle of the season.
“This is my first time being moved during the season. I mean, the basketball part helps because basketball is a universal language. It’s all the other stuff, like moving and stuff, but it’s going to be fun. I’m closer to home. I’m a South baby anyway; I live in Georgia, so I’m closer to my family,” Okogie stated.
“I’m excited to get with this young group. Play hard, play fast, and just play together. “I’m going to bring the energy, I’m going to bring the smiles, and I’ll bring the good vibes.”
Okogie has appeared in 401 games over the course of his seven-year NBA career, spending time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns. For his career, the former first-round draft pick is averaging 6.3 points, three rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
🎙️ Josh Okogie: “I’m excited to get with this young group, play hard, play fast and just play together.”@ShannonSpake spoke with @CallMe_NonStop before the game in Chicago last night ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/MwzLb6tL04
— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) January 18, 2025
🎙️ Charles Lee on Josh Okogie:
“We think that he embodies a lot of what Hornets DNA is, and he was so excited to even just get here and get some work in yesterday.
“I think he’s a jack of all trades, and we’re super excited about everything he’s going to bring to our group.” pic.twitter.com/8MMAwExViz
— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) January 18, 2025
WILL OKOGIE’S STAY IN CHARLOTTE BE SHORT-LIVED?
The Charlotte Hornets just got Josh Okogie back as the primary return for Nick Richards. According to a new report, he might not be a member of the Hornets for very long. It’s not uncommon for NBA trades to happen like this, with players moving to and from multiple teams via trade or even buyout.
Per NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Hornets “might have another move planned with Josh Okogie before the deadline to expand on its Nick Richards return.” A few days ago, Charlotte sent Nick Richards and a second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Okogie and three second-round picks.
“Charlotte might have another move planned with Josh Okogie before the deadline to expand on its Nick Richards return.” 🤔
ℹ️ @TheSteinLine pic.twitter.com/a4mCF0wXM1
— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) January 19, 2025
JOSE ALVARADO, RESERVES MAKING IMPACT IN NOLA
The Pelicans reserves have made a major impact during the team’s three-game winning streak, Rod Walker of the New Orleans Times Picayune writes. “This bench is a team that wants to win every minute that we get,” guard Jose Alvarado said. “We know that it can be 10 minutes, five minutes, two minutes or 20 minutes. We’re going to attack it like it’s the (NBA) Finals.” Alvarado led the bench brigade on Friday with 19 points, including six 3-pointers.
- More from NOLA.com (subscription required)
- Highlights from New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and a block vs. the Utah Jazz on Friday, January 17 during 2024-25 NBA season.
- Guard Jose Alvarado landing four triples in the fourth quarter during the during the New Orleans Pelicans vs. the Chicago Bulls game on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
“He told me on the bus in Chicago, wherever the All Star game is next year, he said he is going to be there… I believe him”
— Jose Alvarado on Trey Murphy’s growth pic.twitter.com/SEC2g7NoYh
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) January 17, 2025
Jose Alvarado AT THE BUZZER 😮💨pic.twitter.com/ZKqCAh9NsM
— Pelicans Nation (@PelsNationCP) January 11, 2025
This referee’s reaction to Jose Alvarado has me in tears 😂😂😂
(Shout-out @PelsFilmRoom for the clip) pic.twitter.com/yyJOyJSQ62
— Shamit Dua (@FearTheBrown) January 18, 2025
#PROJACKETS IN THE NBA/G LEAGUE IN 2024-25
PLAYER DATA NUMBERS TEAM 
JOSE ALVARADO
Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Number: 15
NBA Experience: 4th season
Years at Georgia Tech: 2017-21
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Status: Active6-0, 179 lbs
2024-25 Stats
9.8 ppg
2.0 rpg
4.9 apg
39.4% FG
40.9% 3pt FGRecord: 12-32
Standing: 14th place, -24 GB
Streak: W4
Last 10: 7-3 
JOSH OKOGIE
Team: Charlotte Hornets
Number: 12
NBA Experience: 7th season
Years at Georgia Tech: 2016-18
Hometown: Snellville, Ga.
Status: Active6-4, 213 lbs
2024-25 Stats
6.0 ppg
2.9 rpg
0.6 apg
47.5% FG
37.8% 3pt FGRecord: 11-28
Standing: 13th place, -23.5 GB
Streak: W3
Last 10: 4-6
#PROJACKETS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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Hey @FastbreakHoops5 …I know that guy 😀 https://t.co/RZQuy9jB8g
— Mark Price (@Mark25Price) January 20, 2025
Dennis Scott led @GTMBB to the NCAA tournament each year he played, and won the tournament his junior season. In 2002, he was named as one of the 50 greatest players in ACC history. Dennis was picked 4th overall by the @orlandomagic with whom he earned the nickname “3-D”. pic.twitter.com/skOs5qLgaC
— Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (@GAsportsHOF) January 21, 2025
ShowTime @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/nHyz5gP8vE
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) January 20, 2025
