The Raptors and Pelicans haven’t met yet this season, but Fred VanVleet didn’t wait to cross paths with Jose Alvardo again to pay tribute to him. If the world of the NBA discovered the qualities of the Puerto Rican leader last season, the Raptors player still remembers the first time he had to rub shoulders with the one who is now nicknamed “GTA” for his qualities. balloon thief.
It was at the end of the 2020/21 season, when Toronto had relocated its franchise to Tampa in view of the health context. Fred VanVleet then attended a workout made up of six prospects including Jose Alvarado.
“It was probably the best training session I have ever seen”he remembered. “Just in terms of energy, spirit, competitiveness. And I just remember looking at him and thinking, ‘I remember being like that’. You see what I mean ? I could see myself in him. Just in terms of mentality”.
An unfailing mind and determination
Both players had to fight to find their place in the NBA, and it was Jose Alvardo’s determination that paved the way for him. In this sense, the story of Jose Alvarado is a bit like that of Fred VanVleet.
“It’s every man for himself. You’re really gambling your survival and you can’t understand that until you’ve lived it. You play for your livelihood, you play for your family”, added ‘FVV’. “There is no time for rest, there is no time to be overcome by emotion. You just have to come in and leave your mark. And that’s something that I’ve obviously been able to do and watch Jose do.”
Although he first made a name for himself through his defense, Jose Alvarado is also proving that he can be an effective finisher, whether on the 3-point shot but also on the drive closer to the circle. . Much like Fred VanVleet in his early years, his rise seems linear.
“People are a bit simple-minded. They are fascinated by the fact that he hides, that he steals the ball like that, and that kind of thing. But he can really play. He’s a very good player. He can shoot from distance, he can score. He’s really, really good.”
The reunion between the two men is for the end of the month, because the Pelicans will be in Toronto on November 30.
| jose alvarado | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2021-22 | NOP | 54 | 15 | 44.6 | 29.1 | 67.9 | 0.5 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 6.1 |
| 2022-23 | NOP | 13 | 19 | 46.9 | 41.9 | 66.7 | 0.4 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 7.7 |
| Total | 67 | 16 | 45.1 | 32.7 | 67.7 | 0.5 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 6.4 | |
