The energetic guard’s midseason trade to New York pays off as New Orleans’ beloved "Grand Theft Alvarado" secures an Eastern Conference sweep to chase a championship back home.
Fans of the New Orleans Pelicans haven't been able to root for their own team in the NBA playoffs, but they have had a great time watching ex-favorite Jose Alvarado find success with his new squad.
Alvarado advanced to the NBA finals on Monday night, as the New York Knicks completed their sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pelicans sent Alvarado to the Knicks this past trade deadline, and he has been a solid backup guard for them.
In 28 regular season games for New York, he averaged 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists on 41.4/33.0/68.2 on 16.9 minutes a game. His minutes went down over there, but he remained a fan favorite for his high energy style and remaining energetic on the bench.
He hasn't had as big of a role in the playoffs, but anyone who knows Alvarado knows that he has stayed active in games.
The decision to trade Alvarado was one that hurt fans in the moment, but they can at least be happy watching him be happy. This trade has worked out on a couple of levels for the point guard, seeing as though he is both in the final and is back home in New York.
Alvarado spent four and a half years in New Orleans. He was beloved by the fanbase, and the feeling was mutual. The point guard has stated multiple times that New Orleans will always feel like home to him. It was just time to trade him, though, with a logjam at guard and him likely to decline his player option this offseason.
