The NBA season is a wrap and now the fun of rampant offseason speculations can fully begin. The new CBA allows for teams to start negotiations with their soon-to-be free agents and extension-eligible players. It has also allowed for the loosening of some rules on trades, which has had some knock-on side effects going into the 2024 Paris Olympics. The New Orleans Pelicans found that out the hard way following an Instagram Stories post by Jose Alvarado.
EVP David Griffin has a list of situations to address this season beyond Brandon Ingram's future with the Pelicans. Alvarado’s impact makes for difficult contract extension negotiations with the Pelicans. The 26-year-old is also too cheap for the Pelicans to let the fan-favorite go in a ho-hum trade. That's why Alvarado's cryptic post had fans in New Orleans in a frenzy on social media.
Alvarado published an Instagram story that read only “New Start” with a handshake emoji following the text. ClutchPoints can confirm the post was not due to any change in status with the Pelicans. Some have speculated the post was related to a change in relationship status, others have been referred to the Puerto Rican National Team's upcoming schedule. Either way, the point remains the same: Alvarado is still a member of the Pelicans.
Alvarado averaged 7.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 56 games while shooting 37.7% from 3-point range. New Orleans was 38-18 when he was available and a disappointing 11-15 in the 26 games Alvarado was out due to injury. The fan favorite was also second on the team on the Plus/Minus charts behind the highly efficient Trey Murphy III.
That steady offensive production off the bench paired with a trademark defensive tenacity has endeared the undrafted Georgia Tech alum to New Orleans in a way few can relate. It will also come in handy for Puerto Rico as they try to claim one of the final remaining spots in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Jose Alvarado representing Pelicans during Olympic run
The Pelicans could be well-represented during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dyson Daniels (Australia), Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania) and Jose Alvarado (Puerto Rico) have a shot at helping their respective countries advance to the medal rounds in Paris. It will be a tough road though. Only four more teams will book their spots at Paris 2024 with wins at FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments from July 2-7.
Australia is already qualified along with Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Serbia, South Sudan, and the United States. Puerto Rico has to win their qualifying group, but at least they will host the tournament. Alvarado will lead the hosts against Italy and Bahrain in the group stage. Mexico, Cote d'Ivoire, and Lithuania are on the other side of the bracket.
The bracket is set up for a Lithuania versus Puerto Rico final going by the team's respective FIBA rankings. Puerto Rico earned the hosting rights as the highest-ranked team in the Americas still yet to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. Fortunately, fans of the Pelicans should have an easy decision when it comes to divided loyalties. It seems that Alvarado has a future with New Orleans while Valanciunas may never suit up for New Orleans again.
Follow Us
Subscribe