New York guard José Alvarado made his first appearance for the Knicks on Sunday in Boston, logging 25 minutes in a 111-89 victory over the Celtics just three days after being acquired from the Pelicans. The Brooklyn native called the opportunity to play for his hometown team “a blessing,” noting that his family has long supported the Knicks.
Alvarado immediately moved ahead of Jordan Clarkson in head coach Tom Thibodeau’s backcourt rotation. Clarkson, who has received four DNP-CDs over the past two-plus weeks, saw only eight minutes of action and said the coaching staff is asking him to embrace new defensive responsibilities while creating offense within the flow of the game. “It’s a whole new thing for me,” Clarkson said, adding that he plans to “stay in the gym” and remain professional.
Celtics Working In Vucevic
After the blowout loss, Jaylen Brown acknowledged that Boston needs time to adjust to its revamped roster. Newly acquired center Nikola Vučević came off the bench for 11 points and six rebounds, but the Celtics were outscored by 24 points during his 23 minutes. Brown said the team wants Vučević “to be a little bit more aggressive” and will address chemistry issues through communication and film study.
Nets Offer Opportunity to Minott, Agbaji
The trades that brought Josh Minott from Boston and Ochai Agbaji from Toronto were largely aimed at salary relief for their former clubs, yet Brooklyn head coach Jordi Fernández said both players will get a legitimate chance to earn rotation roles — and possibly secure a future with the Nets. “Show me what you can bring to the group,” Fernández told reporters.
Rajaković Sets Lofty Goals for Barnes
Scottie Barnes, headed to his second All-Star Game, drew emphatic praise from Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković following a 25-point, 14-rebound, six-assist, four-block performance in Sunday’s win over Indiana. Rajaković labeled Barnes a future Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP and league MVP, telling media to “write down the date” of the prediction.
Source: Hoops Rumors
