Report: Pelicans Jose Alvarado To Miss FIBA World Cup
Jose Alvarado will not play with the Puerto Rican National Team this summer. Reports surfaced on Thursday that the New Orleans guard will sit out as a precaution to rest for the upcoming NBA season. In February, Alvarado missed the remainder of the last season after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right tibia.
He took to social media to show his sorrow for missing the opportunity to play for the national team of Puerto Rico. Last season, Alvarado faced a similar situation and withdrew his name from the qualifying FIBA games to focus on the upcoming year. He vowed to play in the tournament this season, but that won't happen.
Alvarado is known for being the Pelicans' "spark plug" off the bench. Last season he appeared in 61 games before his injury, averaging 9 points and three assists off the bench. In December, he had a career-high 38-point game against the eventual NBA champions Denver Nuggets.
From an undrafted rookie from Georgia Tech who was sent down to the G League his first season, Alvarado has worked extremely hard to carve out a name for himself. His nickname "Grand Theft Alvarado" comes from his propensity to generate steals regularly. He's made appearances on National TV shows such as TNT's award-winning Inside the NBA and NBATV.
Feb 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) steals the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Jose Alvarado participated in last season's NBA All-Star weekend and hit the game-winning shot in the Rising Stars challenge and won the game's MVP trophy. Later he threw a lob to fellow teammate Trey Murphy III in the slam dunk contest.
Pelicans' fans will still see a few of their players this summer as Brandon Ingram will be playing for the U.S. Men's National Team. It was recently announced that Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III would participate with the US Men's Select Team.
Many of the Pelicans, along with Alvarado, are preparing for a healthy season doing. With the team making few roster moves this offseason, the coaching staff is relying on the health of Alvarado and others to contend in the crowded Western Conference.
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