There are moments when New York Knicks backup point guard Tyler Kolek shines. But the second-year player is still developing, and defense is not his strong suit.
Naturally, Jalen Brunson is the best ball handler on the team. But head coach Mike Brown could definitely use another bench piece that would help in that department.
According to SNY's Ian Begley, the Knicks may be one of the teams that are interested in New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado.
"The Knicks will be one of the many teams interested in Jose Alvarado if he is made available," Begley said on a recent episode of "The Putback With Ian Begley". "You talk about a backup point guard option for the Knicks in a player like Alvarado, who defends and brings a passion to that end of the floor."
The Pelicans don't have much to lose
This season is Alvarado's fifth with the Pelicans, and the franchise has yet to blossom under Zion Williamson as its star player. If it hasn't happened yet, it most likely never will.
The 27-year-old is averaging 8.9 points and 3.3 assists in 22.5 minutes per game this season, but it's his intensity on defense that earns him playing time. Having a lockdown defender off the Knicks' bench could benefit Brunson, whose defense is the glaring weakness in his game.
The Pelicans will be one of the NBA's lottery teams, and they could inquire about one of the Knicks' youngsters, like Pacome Dadiet or Ariel Hukporti, in talks surrounding Alvarado.
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