by Rell Wright/Pelican Contributor

In a recent turn of events, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves grappling with another injury setback as guard Jose Alvarado suffered an ankle sprain during a workout this weekend. The severity of the injury has cast a shadow over his availability for the upcoming training camp, and the news has raised concerns within the Pelicans’ organization.

The announcement came via Shams Charania, a trusted source for NBA updates, who reported that Alvarado’s status for the training camp is now in question. For a team that has already been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, this setback is undoubtedly disheartening news. The Pelicans were already preparing to be without Trey Murphy III, who is set to miss training camp and potentially the start of the regular season due to surgery to repair a torn left meniscus.

Jose Alvarado, a promising young talent, played a pivotal role for the Pelicans during the 2022-23 season. Averaging nine points, three assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game across 61 appearances, his contributions were integral to the team’s performance. His ability to handle the ball and facilitate plays made him a valuable asset, particularly on the offensive end.

Alvarado’s basketball journey took an unexpected turn when he decided to withdraw from Puerto Rico’s FIBA Basketball World Cup team. This decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure his readiness for the upcoming regular season. It is clear that he has his sights set on making a significant impact with the Pelicans, and he is not willing to jeopardize his health and performance on the court.

This latest injury setback is particularly disappointing for Alvarado, who had already experienced a leg injury late in the previous season, which prematurely ended his year. The memory of that injury undoubtedly weighed heavily on his mind when he made the difficult choice to forego representing Puerto Rico in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. His dedication to his team and the game of basketball is evident in his decision-making.

As the New Orleans Pelicans face yet another challenge on the injury front, the organization and fans alike are left hoping for a swift and complete recovery for Jose Alvarado. The team is rumored to be working out vet guard Will Barton and the Pelicans guard depth is as follows: Dyson Daniels, Kira Lewis Jr, Jordan Hawkins & Dereon Seabron.