After a difficult and emotional weekend back-to-back vs. San Antonio and the Lakers, Monday was an off day for New Orleans Pelicans players, a chance to rest up before a long road trip and busy upcoming stretch. Instead of kicking back and relaxing Monday, though, several of Jose Alvarado’s teammates drove to the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, to witness a landmark day in the 23-year-old’s pro career.
After going undrafted and agreeing to a two-way deal last summer that initially meant he’d probably spend much of the 2021-22 season with the Birmingham Squadron in the G League, Alvarado’s contributions to the Pelicans (6.