NEW YORK — Jose Alvarado has always viewed himself as the guy who’s living the dream.
“If you know my story, you know I’m not supposed to be here,” Alvarado said during an exclusive conversation with The Athletic earlier this week. “I’m not the biggest guy. I don’t jump out the gym. But you know, when I step on that floor, I give everything I got.
“That’s what I owe to the game.”
Alvarado’s fearless nature and relentless approach have helped him gain recognition through the first five years of his NBA career, despite entering the league as an undrafted rookie who spent four years at Georgia Tech. Now, he’s no longer just the underdog who beat the odds.
After getting traded from the New Orleans Pelicans to the New York Knicks earlier this month, Alvarado has become the hometown kid who gets to rep his Brooklyn roots while trying to show he can be the missing ingredient for a Knicks team with legitimate hopes of winning its first NBA championship since 1973. These are the types of stories that only get told on the big screen.
The bond between Alvarado and fans in New Orleans, however, has been just as surreal since he burst onto the scene in 2022. That bond grew when Alvarado went from a prospect who came out of nowhere to developing into one of the better backup point guards around.
Earlier this week, I got to catch up with Alvarado and talk about why his exit from New Orleans was so difficult, why a return to New York was a move that made sense for him and the lofty expectations he now deals with as a member of the Knicks:
Note: Questions have been edited for clarity and length.
What was it like when you heard you’d be joining the Knicks?
Honestly, it was bittersweet. Obviously, I love New Orleans. It’s a situation I was comfortable in. But if I had to go anywhere, I’m glad it was New York. This is where I’m from. This is the culture I was raised by. I know how much the Knicks mean to everybody out here, including my family. Just to be a part of what these guys are building is dope.
What are some of the main memories that pop up when you think of your time in New Orleans?
The first thing that pops into my head is the “Jose!” chants. It was always special when I heard that from the crowd. It’s still crazy to me every time I hear it during games. The first time I heard it, that’s when I knew how much New Orleans really rocked with me. The other one that I think I’d say is when I scored my career-high (38 points in Dec. 2022). The playoff games we played there were crazy. (There are) so many memories. But really the main thing is the love they showed to me, no matter what.
Jose Alvarado was a part of the New Orleans Pelicans’ last two postseason runs, in 2022 and 2024. (Stephen Lew / Imagn Images)
Why do you think you were able to develop such a close bond with the city and the fan base?
They felt the love that I had for the city and it was real love. There was nothing fake about it. New Orleans will always be home to me. I always said New Orleans is a gritty, tough city and you can never knock them down. We saw Mother Nature, whoever, try to bring New Orleans down and they always rise back up with their head high. I just think that’s how I carry myself, also, and they saw that in me. Obviously, where I grew up is very different from New Orleans, but I feel like my mindset is very similar to a lot of people from there. They saw how I play and how much passion I show every time I’m out there. That’s how they want somebody to represent the city. They showed me genuine love and I always tried to show the same thing to them.
Considering where you are in your career and where the Pelicans are this season, some people were surprised to hear you weren’t really looking to go anywhere. Clearly, the opportunity to join the Knicks was an amazing one. But what would you say to folks who thought you were crazy for not pushing your way to a contender?
I was really comfortable with the team, with the people in the organization. My family was comfortable in New Orleans. You also gotta understand that I know how dope my relationship is with the city. Guys don’t get that chance to connect with a city like that. It’s special. I got to be a part of the growing process for the organization and we won some big games for the city. But joining the Knicks, everything just lined up perfect at the right time. I think right now, this is the best situation for me.
How did you find out about the deal? What were the emotions like that day?
The organization did a great job with me. (Pelicans lead executive) Joe (Dumars) they were keeping me updated leading up to the (trade) deadline. They told me it looked like the deal was gonna happen. I just appreciate that they kept me in the loop the whole time. None of it was really a surprise, like you hear with some guys. I got to make sure my family knew so we could be ready for what’s next.
It technically won’t happen this year, but what are you looking forward to most when you play your first game back in New Orleans?
The love. The fans. I feel like I’m definitely going to tear up. I grew up with them. They gave me a chance. They took me in with open arms and never let go. I just can’t wait to go back there to feel the love and hear the noise.
Once the move was done, how special was it that New York was the destination?
Man, I get to represent my hometown and I have a lot of pride when I put that jersey on. I’m really from the streets that’s here. It’s exciting. If you’re from here, you know how crazy the city is when the Knicks are good or when the Knicks are winning. Now, I get to be a part of that, which is crazy. I love it.
Jose Alvarado signs an autograph for a Knicks fan before the start of a Feb. 8 game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. (David Butler II / Imagn Images)
Has anything about this experience surprised you so far?
Not really. Playing in (Madison Square Garden) is crazy. The fans are wild. All the games are crazy in there – they’re cheering and making noise. You see all the legends sitting courtside. I can’t wait to see what it’s like in the playoffs. I just want to be a part of us doing something special for New York. We’ve got so much talent. I’m excited to see how we come together.
What are you expecting once the playoffs begin?
The Knicks are going to be a tough team to deal with. We’re gonna fight. We’re gonna do whatever it takes to win. I can’t wait.
