Jose Alvarado Breaks Down Guarding Rookie Cooper Flagg
Jose Alvarado discusses the challenge of guarding Cooper Flagg, praising the Mavericks rookie’s confidence, aggression, and rapid growth early in his NBA career.
Jose Alvarado pressures Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg during their matchup. Courtesy of Dallas Mavericks YouTube Channel
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado has come across numerous scorers and playmakers, which has helped him understand the distinction between true and false. Genuine admiration from the Pelican guard toward a rookie like Cooper Flagg leads to a different outcome. Flagg, the upcoming newcomer and previous No. 1 pick, doesn’t look like someone still figuring out NBA speed.
His sense of self-assurance is that of a sportsman who has been struck multiple times and has mastered the art of swinging back harder. That is significant to Alvarado, who is known for his expertise in edge, energy, and inconvenient defense.
“He’s ahead of the game,” Alvarado said to LandonBuford.com before their matchup. “He’s a No. 1 pick for a reason. He’s really good. I like his game. He’s gonna be aggressive, how he always been, and he doesn’t shy away from the moment.”
Alvarado is not discussing the scouting report. It’s recognition of something he values in every opponent: a willingness to face competition head-on. Cooper Flagg has that. Smoke is not a problem for the kid; they don’t flinch when challenged, and they don’t care about the person standing across from them.
The Mavericks have already asked Flagg to grow up quickly. The team has asked him to switch between playmaker, scorer, secondary defender, and sometimes an emotional spark plug — positions that typically take young players a year or two to comprehend. Despite this, he has been able to adapt with surprising ease. His physical attributes are starting to match his skills, and his reading abilities are superior to those of typical rookies.
Alvarado also sees it.
“We just going out there, just competing,” he said. “He’s a competitor just like us, so it’s exciting to go against him and see his growth as he grows in the league.”
Their careers are at different stages, but they still have a shared spirit. Both thrive on disruption. Both have an internal motor that runs at a higher temperature than most. The court is where both players strive to prove something personal, and they play with a slight but dangerous edge.
Alvarado is not interested in being the veteran who rejects the new wave. He is more fascinated by it. He analyzes young guards in the same way he analyzes angles on the floor, seeking to distinguish those who are exceptional from those who are just placeholders. Flagg’s early signs are evident: poise, a love for big moments, and no sign of stage fright.
Alvarado is not going to stare at the stars when the Pelicans and Mavericks meet tonight. He plans to poke at Flagg’s handle, slide into passing lanes, and attempt to turn the rookie’s confidence around. Flagg, if his earlier games are any indication, he will take on any challenge that comes his way. Both men are fond of the kind of basketball where reputations are irrelevant and competition is the driving force.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
