THE FLATS – Jose Alvarado reflects on playing for Willie Green in New Orleans, and his playoff battle against Chris Paul … Thaddeus Young praises Raptors’ organization and his time there … Michael Devoe gets a workout with the Hawks … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
PLAYOFF PICTURE – Jose Alvarado and the No. 8 seed New Orleans Pelicans were eliminated 4 games to 2 by the top-seeded Phoenix Suns … Josh Okogie and the No. 7-seed Minnesota Timberwolves likewise were eliminated 4-2 to the No. 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies … Thaddeus Young and the No. 5-seed Toronto Raptors fell behind 0-2 to the No. 4-seed Philadelphia 76ers and eventually lost in six games as well.
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ALVARADO REFLECTS ON PLAYING FOR WILLIE GREEN
Jose Alvarado emerged as a key player this season with the New Orleans Pelicans, and the undrafted guard credited head coach Willie Green for much of his success.
The Pelicans were eliminated from the playoffs on Thursday by the Phoenix Suns. The loss, though tough, capped off an incredible season for the group after starting 1-12. They earned the eighth seed in the play-in tournament and pushed the top-seeded Suns to six games.
Alvarado played an integral role in helping the Pelicans make some noise in the second half of the season and in the playoffs. He even became a favorite in New Orleans because of his infectious playing style bringing immense energy and effort on a nightly basis.
The former Georgia Tech standout averaged eight points, 1.5 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals off the bench for the Pelicans in the playoffs. He became a menace on defense and often gave Chris Paul fits throughout the series.
“That guy made me a better person, a better man, and a better player.”
“He changed my life so I’m glad I get to call him my coach for the next four years.”
–@AlvaradoJose15 on Willie Green pic.twitter.com/6QicWJqvxP
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 29, 2022
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ALVARADO VS. CHRIS PAUL: “HE KNOWS MY NAME NOW…”
In the fourth quarter of a postseason elimination game, the New Orleans Pelicans played an undrafted rookie at point guard while the Phoenix Suns rode with one of the greatest floor generals of all time.
Jose Alvarado vs. Chris Paul.
Throughout the Pelicans’ first-round series, it was a surprisingly competitive battle. Paul, whose Suns eliminated the Pelicans in six games Thursday, ultimately won. But there were moments when Alvarado made “The Point God” sweat.
He was relentless in picking Paul up full court. Paul committed multiple 8-second violations over the course of six hard-fought games — uncommon mistakes for a player of his caliber.
More from NOLA.com (subscription required)
https://youtu.be/yV-yo9EYI1E
Chris Paul (PHX) has been assessed a Flagrant Foul 1 upon league review for his contact against Jose Alvarado (NOP) at 4:35 of the 2nd quarter on 4/26/22. pic.twitter.com/TY2JM3vbfr
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) April 28, 2022
Chris Paul elbows defender in the face, is rewarded with two free throws. pic.twitter.com/JGmGhKgXnr
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) April 29, 2022
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YOUNG PRAISES RAPTORS’ ORGANIZATION
Thaddeus Young has enjoyed his time of being a Toronto Raptor, and he can only give a heartwarming expression on what he attained.
In the Raptors’ exit interview for the 2021-2022 season, the veteran praised the experience he had with the organization, further applauding the promising core it possesses.
Young was acquired by Toronto in a midseason trade with the San Antonio Spurs. The versatility and mentorship that he offered were keys for the squad in making a late season turnaround – as the Raps went on to lock the fifth seed of the Eastern Conference.
Though the Raptors came up short for a historic 3-0 comeback against the Philadelphia 76ers in their first-round matchup, Young seems thankful of the ride he had with them.
Thad Young: “This organization is elite. One of the top I’ve ever been a part of… I loved everything about this experience. As far as the team, the sky is the limit… This team can be really, really scary.”
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 29, 2022
Season 15 was full of ups and downs, but coming to Toronto was definitely an incredible experience! Thank you all for welcoming my family and I to this amazing country! #WeTheNorth https://t.co/bojrAO0q2D
— Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) April 30, 2022
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WHAT’S IN STORE FOR JOSH OKOGIE?
Josh Okogie, the 23-year-old guard who was a first-round draft choice of the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018, became a restricted free agent with the completion of his fourth season in 2021-22. According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, “Okogie’s limited offense kept him out of the rotation for most of the season. The Wolves praised how good a teammate he was. The Wolves can make a qualifying offer near $6 million, but Okogie seems headed for free agency and might end up on another team where he can contribute regularly.”
More from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
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DEVOE WORKS OUT WITH HAWKS
In a matter of hours, one chapter of Michael Devoe’s life was closing and another opening.
On Monday morning, the former Georgia Tech guard was one of six NBA draft hopefuls working out at the Hawks facility before coaches and scouts. Later that day, he was to take his last final exam – dreaded finite math – as a Tech student to complete his requirements for his business administration degree.
“I’m so happy,” Devoe said after the workout. “It’s like all the stress is off my shoulders.”
Compared with trying to solve questions related to matrices, linear equations and game theory, among other subjects, Devoe was partial to playing 3-on-3 and going through drills that would help determine the course of his playing career.
“This is basketball,” said Devoe, garbed in Hawks workout gear and standing before a battery of local TV news cameras. “It’s something I love to do.”
More from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Michael Devoe will graduate from @GeorgiaTech on Saturday and then he’ll try and find a job. In fact he went on a job interview today. Here’s more:@GTMBB @ATLHawks @FOX5Sports @mdevoe0 pic.twitter.com/63eAx1o6hL
— Cody Chaffins (@Cody_Fox5) May 2, 2022
#Hawks GM Travis Schlenk is here. So is former @GTMBB G Michael Devoe. He’s here for a pre-draft workout. pic.twitter.com/oImwhvxkbb
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) May 2, 2022
Please join us in congratulating our PIT All Tournament Team, as well as our Tournament MVP Michael DeVoe! #PIT22 pic.twitter.com/6qSyjnnqMx
— P.I.T. (@PIT_Basketball) April 17, 2022
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