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New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado has high praise for new teammate Daniel Theis. The veteran center, who joined the Pelicans this offseason, is already making a strong impression on Alvarado.

“He’s like a ‘point guard big,’” Alvarado said about Theis, according to Pelicans’ reporter Jim Eichenhofer. “He reads the game very well.” This comparison highlights Theis’s ability to see the floor, make quick decisions, and facilitate play, traits not commonly associated with big men.

Last season, Theis played for the Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and one assist in 17.1 minutes per game. Known for his basketball IQ and versatility on both ends of the court, Theis has carved out a reputation as a reliable veteran presence.

In his preseason debut for the Pelicans, Theis scored 13 points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out one assist in a victory over the Orlando Magic. His ability to contribute across multiple areas of the game is exactly what Alvarado and the Pelicans will be counting on this season.

As the Pelicans look to make a playoff push in the upcoming season, the addition of Theis could be a critical piece. His experience, combined with his unique ability to play like a floor general from the center position, gives the Pelicans an edge in a competitive Western Conference.