Jose Alvarado
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Jose Alvarado a guard on the New York Knicks.
Brooklyn’s own Jose Alvarado was the New York Knicks big acquisition at the trade deadline.It did not take much for the Knicks to bring the New York native back home, but Alvarado could have a massive impact.
It will take time for Alvarado to get accustomed to his new team, but he is taking the steps to expedite that. According to Ian Begley of SNY, he will forgo a vacation during the All-Star break to get more acclimated with his new team.
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Jose Alvarado is skipping his All-Star break vacation and locking in at the Knicks practice facility:
“No break for me. I’m going to try to stay here and get a lot of reps in.” (@IanBegley)
Begley tweeted that Alvarado said, “No break for me, I’m going to try to stay here, get a lot of reps in. Just get comfortable with everything – offense, defense. Just get a good rhythm.” This is music to Knicks fans’ ears, as Alvarado could be a perfect fit for this team, needing only time to adjust.
Some of Alvarado’s eagerness could be because he is from New York City. Begley hinted at that with another quote from Alvarado, who said, “Obviously, playing for the Knicks is a huge thing for everybody. But I’m literally a kid from the same streets that the fans are.”
How Has Jose Alvarado Looked Early in His Knicks Career
Jose Alvarado
GettyJose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks, playing tight defense.
Since joining the Knicks, Alvarado has played in two games. He played 25 minutes in a 111-89 win over the Boston Celtics. In his debut, Alvarado had a solid game, scoring 12 points and hitting two 3s. However, seven of Alvarado’s points came in the fourth quarter, while the Knicks rested their key players.
The next game was Alvarado’s first as a Knick in Madison Square Garden. However, the Knicks lost 137-134 in overtime to the Indiana Pacers, who are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Alvarado only played 18 minutes, finishing with four points, but did have five assists.
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Jose Alvarado with the HUSTLE. 😤💪
So far, it has been a mixed bag from Alvarado, which makes sense, but the effort has been there. Alvarado has already shown off his hustle, diving on the court in front of the MSG crowd. That alone is a big reason for fans to be excited about his arrival in New York.
What is Next for Alvarado on the Knicks
Jose Alvarado
GettyJose Alvarado on top of the defender, hustling in his first game at home of the New York Knicks.
Right now, the Knicks are still trying to figure out how to use Alvarado. The loss to the Pacers was the first of a back-to-back right before the All-Star break. In the Knicks’ final game before the break, they will face the Philadelphia 76ers.
Alvarado’s role is not going to change before the 76ers game, but after the break, it definitely could. One of the deciding factors in the Knicks’ acquisition of Alvarado is the absence of Miles “Deuce” McBride. Right after the Alvarado deal was announced, it wasreported that McBride had surgery on a sports hernia.
McBride’s biggest impact on the court came on the defensive end, while also averaging 12.9 points. McBride played alongside Jalen Brunson in the backcourt often, providing another ballhandler, but also a solid guard defender. It’s not the best stat, but when it comes to two-person lineups,McBride and Brunson’s net rating at 13.8 is the best Knicks duo with more than 400 minutes together.
Alvarado’s hustle and defensive work ethic are a big reason why he could be a short-term replacement for McBride. There might be a dip offensively, but with is defensive alone, Alvarado can make an impact on a Knicks team with aspirations.