THE FLATS – Jose Alvarado not just a cult hero in New Orleans, he’s now essential … Thaddeus Young steps up in Toronto in absence of Siakam … Derrick Favors staying ready for another spot on an NBA team … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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ALVARADO NOT JUST CULT HERO, HE’S ESSENTIAL
He specializes in getting under the skin of his opponents – just ask Houston’s Kevin Porter Jr. His patented “Grand Theft Alvarado” sneak attack has forced some guards to react as if they’re seeing ghosts when they try to get the ball across halfcourt against him.
His energy and defensive tenacity change the game every time he steps on the floor for the New Orleans Pelicans. It’s part of the reason he instantly turned into one of the fanbase’s most beloved players after coming into the league as an undrafted free agent last year. He’s an embodiment of the role player many coaches dream of having: someone who uses his attitude and desire to overcome the physical limitations that prevent most his size from reaching the highest level.
Alvarado has certainly embraced the love he’s received in the Crescent City and the raucous “Jose!” chants that have become a constant at home games in the Smoothie King Center.
But he has much bigger plans for his career.
Jonas 🤝 Jose pic.twitter.com/8bzoVX2XE4
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 17, 2022
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YOUNG STEPS UP IN SIAKAM ABSENCE FOR RAPTORS
The way the Toronto Raptors used Thad Young early in the season was nothing short of baffling. The grizzled veteran decided to return to Canada on a multi-year contract, but Nick Nurse stuck him at the end of the bench before injuries had to force his hand.
Young may not have the scoring punch that he did in his younger days, but Toronto was doing themselves a disservice by letting him waste away on the bench. Bringing him back into the lineup by making him the starting center with MVP candidate Pascal Siakam out has reinvigorated him.
Young has averaged 11.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game over the last three games, two of which were Raptors wins. With just under four offensive rebounds per contest and two games with a plus-minus greater than +20 in the last five games, Thad has been on fire.
Young’s play has been so impressive that there is no way that the Raptors can sit him back down when the big names come back. This bench needed someone with this level of veteran moxie and playmaking, and Young has shown that he can fill that role while playing a center spot that very few coaches would even think about using him in.
Thad Young has been the consummate professional through 17 games of the Raptors season. He’s accepted an odd and sometimes frustrating role.
One NBA executive suggested it was a gamble to re-sign him as he’d not be happy as a part-time player. https://t.co/OmnAqmCHeB
— Toronto Star (@TorontoStar) November 18, 2022
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CASE FOR FAVORS TO RE-JOIN NETS
The Brooklyn Nets (8-9) have had a very volatile start to the season, but they are in the middle of a two-game winning streak and have gone 7-4 over their last 11 games.
One of their biggest struggles has been rebounding.
The Nets rank 28th in the NBA in total rebounds per game (48.5 RPG).
Right now, there are still plenty of free agents on the market that could help the Nets in that category.
Derrick Favors, who was the third overall pick by the New Jersey Nets (before they moved to Brooklyn), could be a good option for them to look at.
The former Georgia Tech star is only 31 years old and is a solid rebounder.
Last season, he played in 39 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and in 16.7 minutes per game, he averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Stay ready!!! 🙏🏾😤 https://t.co/S2wogFHGHd
— Derrick Favors (@dfavors14) November 18, 2022
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JAMES BANKS PLACED ON INJURED LIST
Per CBSSports.com: James Banks was placed on the G League’s injured list for an undisclosed reason Sunday. Banks started Friday’s loss to Birmingham and tallied six points (2-4 FG, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, five blocks and three steals in 29 minutes. It’s unclear when he’ll be able to return to action.
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