The New Orleans Pelicans will hold guards Jose Alvarado and Dyson Daniels out for the remainder of the NBA Summer League, according to Andrew Lopez.
Alvarado represented the Puerto Rican National Team at the FIBA qualifiers this summer. Therefore, the Pelicans are likely holding Alvarado out of Summer League to rest him for the upcoming season.
As an undrafted rookie last season, Alvarado bursts onto the scene thanks to his on-court antics and pesky defense, earning the nickname, Grand Theft Alvarado.
Alvarado averaged 6.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 15.4 minutes per game. He became infamous for hiding on the sideline and stealing the ball from unaware opposing players as they came up the court.
Dejounte Murray, Trae Young, and Chris Paul are just some of his notable victims.
Following the season, Alvarado received a four-year $6.5 million contract extension.
Alvarado will compete with Devonte' Graham and Kira Lewis Jr. for the primary backup point guard role this upcoming season.
Daniels tweaked his ankle in his Summer League debut so the Pelicans are cutting his time in Las Vegas short. The injury does not seem to be anything serious but the team is just taking the necessary precautions.
Daniels was the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft after a solid season with the G-League Ignite.
Last season, Daniels averaged 11.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
While this is sure to be a disappointment for Pelicans fans, who were eager to watch their first-round pick get his first NBA action, it is better to be safe than sorry.