5 things to know about new Knicks point guard Jose Alvarado
Former Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado defends against the Knicks' Josh Hart during a game at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 25, 2023. Credit: Getty Images/Mike Stobe
DETROIT — The Knicks traded for the Pelicans' Jose Alvarado on Thursday. Here are five things to know about the guard.
1. He was born in Brooklyn, attended Christ the King High School and was named CHSAA player of the year in the 2015-16 season. He grew up a Knicks fan and Carmelo Anthony was his favorite player.
2. Nicknamed "Grand Theft Alvarado," he is best known for his ability to sneak up behind guys and steal the ball when they least expect it.
3. He scored a career-best 10.3 points per game in 2024-25 in his fourth season, but he is best known for his fierce competitiveness as a defender. Alvarado dives for loose balls, fights through screens and brings big-time energy to his game.
4. The son of a boxer, Alvarado does not back down from anyone. Earlier this season, the 6-foot Alvarado was suspended two games for throwing a punch at 7-1 Suns center Mark Williams.
@espn Jose Alvarado and Mark Williams were ejected after this play. #nba #basketball #fight #suns #pelicans ♬ original sound - ESPN
5. During a game against the 76ers in 2022, Alvarado, then a two-way player, was assessed a technical foul after getting in a verbal altercation with Joel Embiid. The 76ers' 7-foot center was so impressed with Alvarado’s moxie that he paid the $2,000 league fine for him.
Barbara Barker is an award-winning columnist and features writer in the sports department at Newsday. She has covered sports in New York for more than 20 years.
