HOUSTON — The Rockets are clinging to a top-four spot in the West despite key injuries. Their 27-16 record reflects the culture Coach Ime Udoka has instilled. The Rockets need a backup point guard and appear to have found a suitable target in Jose Alvarado.
Rockets To Acquire MVP Jose Alvarado
Offensive Identity and Growing Pains
The Rockets own the league’s fourth-best offense. They shoot the three at an elite rate, ranked fifth. They attempt the second-fewest threes in the NBA. Houston made a bold decision. Houston runs their offense largely through Alperen Sengün. They also entrusted more responsibility to Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard. Both have responded emphatically. The process, however, has not been without hiccups. To stay ahead of future bumps, the Rockets are linking themselves to former FIBA MVP Jose Alvarado.
Why Alvarado Fits
Alvarado has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most disruptive defenders. He stands just six feet tall. He compensates with relentlessness and cunning. His sneaky full-court steals have become his trademark. They barely scratch the surface of his value. He earned MVP honors at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in San Juan. His impact translates everywhere. Puerto Rico clinched a Paris Olympics berth because of him.
The Case for the Trade
Alvarado’s net rating is four points higher than his team’s. That shows his impact despite New Orleans’ struggles. He owns the lowest defensive rating on the Pelicans. Per 36 minutes, he averages 12.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.6 steals. He disrupts offenses. Alvarado speeds up the pace. He brings energy that changes games.
The Rockets could use Jose Alvarado off the bench. He would settle things down when younger players get carried away. He provides insurance for a season that Houston could seize. They need another point guard off the bench. Alvarado fits the bill.
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