Jose Alvarado became the best player in the match for the first time when he shined in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 121-106 victory over the Denver Nuggets on the morning of December 5 (Vietnam time). In this match, the 24-year-old player had 38 points, including 8 successful three-pointers despite only coming from the bench.

Alvarado is asserting his value in the Pelicans squad. But just over a year ago, he almost lost his job when he was ignored by all 30 teams at the 2021 NBA Draft.

Alvarado was originally a football player, but after a neck injury in high school, he switched to basketball. Alvarado has a limited height (1.83 m), and a not too impressive skill set. In particular, Alvarado rarely shoots three-pointers even though he plays as a point guard. He averaged 13.5 points and had only 1.6 successful shots per game, achieving an efficiency of 34.1%.

Alvarado is not highly regarded by NBA scouts. Although the 24-year-old player played all four years for Georgia Tech University, he did not leave any impression. It was predicted that Alvarado would be ignored by all 30 teams at the 2021 NBA Draft.

It seemed like his opportunity to play in the NBA was over when Alvarado received a two-way contract from the New Orleans Pelicans. He will have the opportunity to play in parallel in the G-League and NBA.

Thought he was unemployed but was successful in the NBA

The 24-year-old defender played well in the G-League and always left an impression when given the opportunity to play in the NBA. Although not tall, Alvarado is hard-working and passionate. He is willing to do everything to give the Pelicans an advantage.

Among them, Alvarado’s specialty of stealing the ball once made the NBA community excited. Alvarado often sneaks behind the opponent’s ball-holding player and chooses the moment to steal the ball. Alvarado was even nicknamed “Grand Theft Alvarado” by the American media because of his interesting playing style.

Especially in last season’s playoffs, Alvarado made contemporary legends like Chris Paul uncomfortable with his playing style. Alvarado’s sneaking behind and trying to steal the ball made CP3 angry. Although he could not defeat the Phoenix Suns, the rookie player personally left a clear impression.

Alvarado’s efforts paid off when the Pelicans gave him a 4-year contract worth $6.8 million in March 2022 and an official spot in the “Pelican” squad.

In addition to his ability to steal the ball, Alvarado also gradually improved his throwing ability. After a game in his rookie season, a Fox reporter once teased him with the question “Do you know how to throw?” and Alvarado just laughed.

In his rookie season, Alvarado only made two three-pointers per game and shot just 29.1%. This season Alvarado throws 4.1 times per game and is 40.4% effective. In the match against the Nuggets, Alvarado even threw 8 successful three-pointers. Alvarado also entered the starting lineup more and his playing minutes improved.

People often easily sympathize with stories of players rising from difficulties. Therefore, Alvarado’s journey of overcoming difficulties received love from basketball fans, especially at the Pelicans. He was always cheered by the audience every time he entered the field or scored a point.

“NOLA, I love this city, I love what the people do and hear all of it. It’s always new to me despite being so familiar. I see and hear what they say, it’s crazy . This city supports me and I will fight with 100%,” Alvarado replied to the fans after the fans chanted his name during the match.