Puerto Rico to be without Jose Alvarado at FIBA World Cup

• New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado is set to miss the upcoming FIBA World Cup
• Alvarado plays for the Puerto Rico national basketball team and was named on the team’s roster
• The guard is nursing an injury and is the main reason for him missing the World Cup

New Orleans Pelicans guard, Jose Alvarado, will not be representing Puerto Rico in the upcoming FIBA World Cup next month. The decision was announced by the national team after Alvarado’s name was missing from the roster. The Pelicans reportedly prevented him from participating due to a stress reaction in his tibia, which caused him to miss the end of the 2022-23 regular NBA season. The injury, which occurred on February 27, has not fully healed, as confirmed by an MRI performed last week.

Carlos Arroyo, the general manager of the Puerto Rican national team and a former NBA guard, disclosed the information about Alvarado’s absence. He expressed disappointment at not having the player available for the World Cup due to the injury’s ongoing recovery process. Alvarado’s participation in the summer league for the Pelicans had raised hopes of him playing for Puerto Rico and potentially facing his teammate and close friend, Brandon Ingram, who will be representing the United States in the tournament.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado plays for the Puerto Rico national team but will miss the 2023 FIBA World Cup. | PHOTO: ESPN |

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Despite Alvarado’s absence, Puerto Rico and the United States are scheduled to face off in a pre-tournament friendly in Las Vegas on August 7. This match could have provided an opportunity for Alvarado and Ingram to play against each other on the international stage.

The decision to withdraw Alvarado from the World Cup roster is said to be a precautionary measure by the Pelicans. They want to ensure that he fully recovers from the injury and is in top form when he reports to their training camp in two months. Alvarado’s absence will be a setback for Puerto Rico, as he showcased his skills and abilities during the qualifying window last summer, where he averaged impressive stats of 21 points, 5.5 assists, and 5 rebounds in two games.

For Alvarado, missing the FIBA World Cup is undoubtedly disappointing, as it would have been a significant opportunity to represent his country and compete against some of the best basketball players from around the world. However, his health and long-term career prospects are the priority, and the Pelicans’ cautious approach is understandable in ensuring his full recovery.

As the FIBA World Cup approaches, Puerto Rico will have to adjust their plans without Alvarado’s presence on the roster. The team’s performance in the tournament will depend on the collective effort and contributions of the players available for selection. On the other hand, Alvarado will continue his recovery and preparation for the upcoming NBA season, looking forward to rejoining his Pelicans teammates for the challenges that lie ahead on the basketball court.