NEW YORK — Jose Alvarado, the energetic point guard known affectionately as “Grand Theft Alvarado,” has officially transitioned to a new chapter in his NBA career. Following a mid-season trade from the New Orleans Pelicans, Alvarado is now a key defensive spark for the New York Knicks, bringing his signature “pest” style of play to Madison Square Garden.
Impactful Debut with the New York Knicks
After recovering from a lingering oblique strain that sidelined him for several weeks in New Orleans, Alvarado made an immediate impact in his debut for the Knicks. In a recent 111-89 victory over the Boston Celtics, Alvarado logged 25 minutes, contributing 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. His defensive presence was felt instantly, providing the second unit with the high-intensity ball pressure that has become his trademark.
However, the transition hasn’t been without hurdles. In a subsequent matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, Alvarado struggled with his shot, finishing with just three points on 1-of-7 shooting in 30 minutes of action. Despite the shooting slump, Knicks coaching staff have praised his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and his willingness to dive for loose balls.
Injury History and Recovery
The 2025-26 season has been a physical test for the 27-year-old guard. Before the trade to New York, Alvarado missed eight consecutive games due to a torn oblique muscle suffered during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Earlier in the season, he also dealt with a non-COVID illness and a frightening incident where he was stretchered off the court after a hard fall, though he avoided long-term damage in that instance.
Contract and Career Stats at a Glance
Alvarado’s journey from an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech to a vital NBA rotation player remains one of the league’s best underdog stories. Here are his essential career details as of February 11, 2026:
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 6′ 0″, 179 lbs
- Current Team: New York Knicks
- Contract: Signed a 2-year, $9 million extension (average $4.5M annually) with a player option for the 2026-27 season.
- 2025-26 Season Averages: Approximately 10.3 points and 4.6 assists per game.
The “Grand Theft” Legacy
Fans in New York have quickly embraced Alvarado’s unique defensive tactic—hiding in the corner of the court during inbound plays to sneak up behind ball-handlers for a backcourt steal. While some critics on social media argue his size limits his ceiling as a “lockdown” defender, his statistical impact on team winning percentages and his rank in defensive disruption metrics continue to make him one of the most valuable reserve guards in the league.
As the Knicks push toward the 2026 playoffs, Alvarado is expected to play a significant role in their defensive identity, providing a gritty foil to the team’s primary scorers.