Pelicans suffer yet another unlucky offseason injury

Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Pelicans logo at mid court before the Play-In game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

When it rains, it pours for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Sunday that Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado suffered an ankle sprain during a workout over the weekend. Charania adds that the injury now places Alvarado’s availability for training camp, which starts in early October, in doubt.

Nicknamed “Grand Theft,” the 25-year-old Alvarado is one of New Orleans’ most important role players off the bench (with averages of 7.7 points, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals in a mere 18.6 minutes per game over his two seasons with the Pelicans). But he missed significant time in the second half of last season due to a stress fracture in his right tibia, Now he is dealing with a new leg injury that is threatening his status for this year’s training camp.

The news on Alvarado comes less than two weeks after his teammate Trey Murphy III suffered a meniscus tear during an offseason workout that will sideline him for an extended period. The Pelicans also have the perpetual uncertainty over Zion Williamson’s status to deal with, making it none too fun to be a fan of their team right now.