THE FLATS – More season reviews come in on Jose Alvarado … Derrick Favors officially exercises 2022-23 player option for OKC … Michael Devoe shines at G League Elite camp … Draft profile on Jordan Usher … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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JOSE ALVARADO SEASON REVIEW
Over a four-month span, Jose Alvarado went from seldom-used underdog with an undrafted pedigree to a vital member of New Orleans’ playoff rotation. He became a player described by two of his most accomplished Pelicans teammates as “fearless” and “unbelievable.” His team’s top basketball executive likened Alvarado to a “gladiator” on the hardwood.
When Alvarado initially went unselected during the 2021 NBA Draft, then signed a two-way contract with New Orleans, not even the 6-foot guard himself could’ve reasonably predicted that by April, he’d be lining up against future Hall of Famer Chris Paul in a heated playoff game. Yet that’s exactly where the Georgia Tech product was this spring vs. Phoenix. Alvarado didn’t crack Willie Green’s rotation until January, but during the first-round series against the Suns, he logged the third-most fourth-quarter minutes on the roster (58).
Daniel Sallerson and Jim Eichenhofer continue their player recaps with Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado who played in 54 games this season, averaging 9.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 61.6 FG percentage, & 76.6 FT percentage.
Episode Highlights:
- 8:00 – Jim shares his thoughts on Jose Alvarado’s journey to the NBA.
- 9:32 – Jim and Daniel discuss Jose being a fan favorite in New Orleans.
- 11:02 – Jim discusses Jose’s skillset.
- 16:25 – Jim and Daniel talk about Jose’s defense.
- 18:38 – Jim shares some of his responses from the twitter poll question about Jose Alvarado.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PODCAST >>
.@ErinESummers gives you a recap of quite the season for @AlvaradoJose15 🏀 pic.twitter.com/hAlHsF1ZfS
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) May 18, 2022
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ALVARADO EXPLAINS ORIGIN OF SNEAK ATTACK STEAL
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado became a fan favorite this season, and much of that can be attributed to his infamous sneak-attack steals.
Alvarado would often hide on the court when opposing teams inbounded the ball. Once that team started to bring the ball up the court, Alvarado raced over from seemingly nowhere and catch them off guard, forcing the backcourt steal.
The undrafted guard continued to fool teams throughout the season, including in the postseason versus the Phoenix Suns. He eventually robbed Chris Paul in that series, even though the Suns’ vets successfully snuffed out one attempt.
The move by Alvarado made headlines this season, but the 24-year-old has been doing it since playing in AAU. He explained to JJ Redick and Tommy Alter on the “Old Man & the Three” podcast when he began using the move.
More from Rookie Wire/USA Today
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FAVORS OFFICIALLY EXERCISES OKC PLAYER OPTION
Now that the offseason has kicked off for the Oklahoma City Thunder, dominos are starting to fall.
During the 2021-22 season, veteran big Derrick Favors was Oklahoma City’s highest paid player. With that in mind, he had a big decision to make during the offseason.
Favors had until Tuesday afternoon to make a decision on his $10.2 million player option for the 2022-23 season. As first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, Favors has decided to opt in to this final year of his current contract.
This was expected, especially after the comments Favors made at the close of the regular season.
“I expect to be back here next year. I’ll probably pick it up,” said Favors on his option last month.
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NIGERIA WITHDRAWS BASKETBALL TEAMS FROM INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Nigeria’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will not take part in international competition for two years, the nation’s president said, jeopardizing chances of qualifying teams for the 2024 Olympics.
President Muhammadu Buhari said Nigeria’s national basketball teams are immediately withdrawing from international competitions.
Nigeria had a roster of mostly NBA players, including former Georgia Tech star and Minnesota Timberwolves player Josh Okogie, Jahlil Okafor, Gabe Vincent, Ekpe Udoh, Precious Achiuwa, Chimezie Metu, KZ Okpala, Miye Oni. Long-time NBA specialist Mike Brown was coaching the team.
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MICHAEL DEVOE WORKS OUT FOR SPURS, SHINES IN G LEAGUE CAMP
Recently, the Spurs worked out Georgia Tech guard Michael Devoe.
With Georgia Tech, he was named to the third-team All-ACC honors this past season and ended his college career 12th on Tech’s all-time scoring list.
The 6-5, 197-pound guard averaged 14.6 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game, and shot 45-percent from the field and 39-percent from the three-point line.
Another prospect that I wanted to give some credit to for Scrimmage 1 is Michael Devoe. He had several plays throughout the scrimmage that stood out, from shooting / scoring, to passing, to a couple of a nice defensive possessions as well pic.twitter.com/0t4DBcKUa6
— Zach Milner (@ZachMilner13) May 17, 2022
Michael Devoe nails the three! Off to a strong start at the @nbagleague Combine.
Looking to sneak in to the late 2nd round. One of the best pure shooters in the draft. @mdevoe0 @GTMBB pic.twitter.com/UAqB19JVff
— GREENLIGHT MEDIA (@atlgreenlight) May 16, 2022
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LAKERS DRAFT PROFILE: JORDAN USHER
The Los Angeles Lakers have started their annual pre-draft workouts this week. One player the team worked out is Georgia Tech wing Jordan Usher.
Usher averaged 14.8 points per game, 6.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game during his senior season. While diving into this 2022 NBA Draft class, I have become very intrigued by Usher and think he would be an excellent fit for the Lakers. Although Usher has only played in the NCAA Tournament once during his five-year college career, he has significantly improved during each college season.
Is Jordan Usher a potential fit for the #Lakers in the second round or as an undrafted free agent? https://t.co/QxeDlh8GSo pic.twitter.com/w1tPEk5cGH
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) May 16, 2022
Is Jordan Usher a potential fit for the #Lakers in the second round or as an undrafted free agent? https://t.co/QxeDlh8GSo pic.twitter.com/w1tPEk5cGH
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) May 16, 2022
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BOSH PARTNERS WITH CRAFT BEER MAKER FOR SPECIAL RELEASE
In celebration of its first anniversary, Dogfish Head Miami teamed up with entrepreneur, philanthropist and NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh to release a limited-edition brew, “Bosh Blonde” on May 22. The special beer, dreamed into existence by long-time friends Chris Bosh and Dogfish Head Founder and Brewer Sam Calagione, will be released at noon to kick start the anniversary festivities.
Bosh and Calagione share a love for the brewing process and wanted to come together to create a one-of-a-kind beer that speaks to Miami locals through infused flavors. Brewed with Florida-grown oranges and fresh squeezed sugar cane juice, the “Bosh Blonde” ale exudes the essence of South Florida leisure: easy drinking with a citrus twist meant to be shared with family and friends. The can itself is designed to reflect the coming together of Chris Bosh and Dogfish Head Miami with vibrant colors and artistic sketches that nod to music, beer and basketball of course.
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