Jose Alvarado embracing growth in expanded role

Apr 5, 2025 11:15 AM

With several of the Pelicans’ key players – including CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson, and Trey Murphy – shut down for the remainder of the season, guard Jose Alvarado has been unexpectedly thrust into a much larger offensive role.

Known more for his energy on defense and off-ball contributions, Alvarado is now tasked with being one of the team’s main scoring options, attempting a team-high 16 shots in each of the last two games.

Adjusting to this new responsibility hasn’t been easy for the 26-year-old guard. In an interview with Rod Walker of NOLA.com, Alvarado explained how the absence of the team’s stars changes how he’s defended and forces him to adapt.

“When you have guys like CJ and Zion and Trey Murphy who create so much attention, you get the easier shots,” he said. “Now they are all out and the scouting [reports] are more about you… The guys know my weaknesses and not my weakness, so they test you mentally. You’ve got to continue to make shots and continue to improve. You’re going to turn the ball over, but you’ve got to keep going. You’re going to miss shots, but you’ve got to keep shooting.”

Alvarado’s numbers reflect the challenges of the transition. Over the past two games, he’s shot just 34% from the field (11-of-32) and 8% from deep (1-of-12) while also committing nine turnovers.

But he sees this tough stretch as a critical opportunity for growth – not just for himself, but for all the younger players now seeing increased minutes.

“The positive is that it’s a season that Jose gets to grow,” Alvarado said, speaking of himself in the third person. “Young guys get to grow. A chance to see what you’re capable of doing… The younger guys and me are learning a lot. I’m learning as this process goes on and it’s going to get me better later in my future. I have to understand that.”

Though the final games of the season may not carry playoff implications, they’re proving to be a valuable proving ground for players like Alvarado, who are eager to show what they can do when given the spotlight.