1) Monday was a big day for Jose Alvarado. Check out a photo gallery from the point guard signing a multi-year contract with New Orleans at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. New Orleans will practice there this morning, prior to traveling to Oregon ahead of Wednesday's game against Portland.
2) Alvarado is part of a Pelicans rookie trio making the present and future look bright in the Crescent City.
3) The Western Conference play-in race got even tighter Monday, after San Antonio (31-44) secured a narrow win at Houston. The No. 11 Spurs are a half-game behind the Lakers (31-43), who are a half-game behind the Pelicans (32-43).