Pacers Target Pelicans' Jose Alvarado After Haliburton Injury

Merlin sees Indiana casting about for point guard help with Tyrese Haliburton lost for the season. The team, 1-10 with a 29th-ranked offense, has reportedly kept Jose Alvarado "on its radar throughout his early stretch of the season." Alvarado wouldn’t replace Haliburton’s creation, but he could bring bench energy, perimeter defense and a needed spark behind starter Andrew Nembhard. Merlin notes the Pelicans are 2-9 and could be open to moves, and Alvarado’s 6.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and a steal per game fit the defensive, high-motor profile Indiana needs. This smells like a short-term patch — useful, but not a cure. If the Pacers are patient, this could buy time for a more decisive roster answer.