THE FLATS – Jose Alvarado gets time in the New Orleans rotation … Moses Wright becomes free agent … Thaddeus Young continues to be topic of trade rumors … Kammeon Holsey publishes guide to life book … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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ALVARADO GETTING TRIAL BY FIRE IN NOLA ROTATION
New Orleans rookie Jose Alvarado’s first week of significant NBA playing time has coincided with a trial-by-fire run of opposing point guards: On Monday, Utah All-Star Mike Conley paid a visit to the Smoothie King Center. Twenty-four hours later, Phoenix future Hall of Fame lock Chris Paul was the opposition. Thursday was supposed to bring the greatest three-point shooter of all time, Golden State’s Stephen Curry.
For Alvarado, it’s been a series of chances to get better, preparing to face some of the Western Conference’s premier floor generals in quick succession.
Alvarado cleared the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols Saturday and has appeared in each of the Pelicans‘ last three games, averaging 1.7 points in 8.3 minutes. Alvarado seems to have taken over the rotation spot that belonged to Tomas Satoransky, who entered the protocols Monday.
#Pelicans rookie PG Jose Alvarado on picking up 94 feet defensively, which he did Tuesday vs. CP3: “That’s my role. I’ve got to play that to full effect. I’m going to keep doing it. I ain’t going to stop. That’s my focus, to give those (opposing) guards a headache.”
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) January 6, 2022
Jose Alvarado is out after the game working on his free throws. Always the first one off the bench supporting his teammates and gives 110% effort on every possession. Hard not to like the guy
— The Pelicans Wave (@thepelicanswave) January 4, 2022
Jose Alvarado is an absolute pest. He has everyone frustrated and I love it
— Pro Pels Talk (@ProPelsTalk) January 4, 2022
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HOLSEY PUBLISHES GUIDE TO LIFE BOOK
Former Georgia Tech forward Kammeon Holsey, currently playing in the NBA G League, is now a published author. “Kam’s 30 Day Devotion: A Life Lived without God Is Incomplete”: an inspiring guide to living a life for God’s glory. Holsey graduated from Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. Hancock County established Kammeon Holsey Day in honor of the author’s work with the youth of the area, cancer awareness efforts, and honoring cancer survivors.
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BOSH JOKES ABOUT RETURN TO HEAT
The Miami Heat signed Mario Chalmers to a 10-day contract on Thursday, and now Chris Bosh wants to get the band back together.
Bosh, a Hall of Famer who spent six seasons in Miami, joked that he wants Chalmers to try to convince the Heat to sign him, adding that he’s still in shape.
Hey @mchalmers15 tell them we can bring back the ol pick and roll! Let’s get the band back together!
I’m in shape 😬 https://t.co/nb7ErjshqH
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) December 31, 2021
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YOUNG REMAINS SUBJECT OT TRADE TALK
By now, it’s not a secret to Thaddeus Young that his time with the San Antonio Spurs is temporary.
The 33-year-old veteran is taking his pitstop in the Alamo City in stride, demonstrating why he’s become one of the most likable players in the NBA despite being put in a tough situation. Young had one of the better seasons of his long career last season with the Chicago Bulls. Since the trade that sent him south, he’s seen his playing time drop dramatically and several DNPs next to his name on box scores.
After getting regular playing time in November, Young didn’t play in eight of the Spurs’ 15 games in December, further showing San Antonio doesn’t see him as a long-term part of their future. The big question, then, lies in how the Spurs will handle the difficult situation. As you might expect, some outcomes would be better than others.
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WRIGHT BECOMES FREE AGENT
From CBSSports.com: The Clippers didn’t re-sign Moses Wright (COVID-19 health and safety protocols) when his 10-day contract expired Friday, Keith Smith of Spotrac.com reports.
The decision to move on from Wright comes as little surprise after the rookie big man out of Georgia Tech was placed in the protocols with just three days left on his 10-day deal. Since he was unlikely to fully clear the protocols for several more days, the Clippers determined that the hardship exemption the team received from the NBA could be better used elsewhere. Wright appeared in one game during his time with LA, recording one assist in one minute in a 105-89 win over the Kings on Dec. 22.
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