March Update: The New York Knicks and Their New Potential with Jose Alvarado

Maria Giannopoulos
18 hours ago
5 min read

Brooklyn native and former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Jose Alvarado was sent to the Knicks on February 5th.

Brooklyn native and former New Orleans Pelican Jose Alvarado was traded to the New York Knicks on February 5th, in exchange for Dalen Terry. After five years with the Pelicans, Alvarado is expected to bring exceptional defense and dynamic energy to a young, charged, and playoff-destined Knicks team. Alvarado’s quick and sneaky defensive skills, along with the energy he brings both on and off the court, will hopefully address the concerns of the team's inconsistent defensive strategies.

During the 2025-2026 regular season, prior to the Knicks trade, Alvarado played 41 games with the Pels, averaging 21.9 minutes per game and just under 8 PPG, on par with the rest of his 5-year NBA career stats. With 3.9 defended field goals made and 7.7 defended field goals attempted, Alvarado had an average 50.3 DFG%. It is important to note that defended field goals are measured by calculating the closest defender to the opposing shooter to determine the percentage of shots attempted and made while the defender was on the shooter. This season with the Pelicans, Alvarado recorded 37 steals, and since his trade to the Knicks, he has recorded 14 more.

Alvarado's career statistics show consistency, something the Knicks defense could improve on.

Knicks Team Update

This trade shows promise for the Knicks, who are currently 45-25, and hold the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference. After experiencing a rough patch in January, including a streak in which they lost 8 out of 10 games and scored fewer than 10 points per game below their season average, the team pulled out an astonishing 54-point win over the Brooklyn Nets, setting a new franchise record for winning point differential. Since then, the Knicks have found their stride both offensively and defensively, recording an eight-game winning streak leading into early February. Highlights of this period include a win over the rival Philadelphia 76ers 112-109, despite the efforts of Philly’s All-Star Guard Tyrese Maxey, and beating the Los Angeles Lakers 112-100, defeating generational talents Lebron James and Luka Dončić.

Knicks Defensive Struggles

The Knicks currently have a 111.9 defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) in the 2025-2026 regular season, ranking them 6th in the league. Additionally, New York has an average of 33.3 defensive rebounds this season. The Knicks are currently ranked 4th in offensive rebounds and 10th in defensive rebounds per game. However, the Knicks are currently ranked 20th out of 30 in the league in steals, and 27th in blocks. With this in mind, the Knicks' acquisition of Alvarado is strategic, hopefully increasing those defensive statistics. Alvarado, at only six feet tall, does not have impressive stats in blocking or rebounds, but his speed and agility allow him to sneak up on players and record steals all over the court.

Alvarado currently averages 2.5 rebounds and 1 steal per game, this compares to Knicks captain Jalen Brunson's 3.4 rebounds per game and an average .8 steals per game during the regular season. Furthermore, Alvarado is known for his rowdy perimeter defense, aggressive plays, and chaotic energy on and off the court. This on-court havoc is a key asset for the Knicks due to an inconsistent strong defense. With the Knicks recent trade acquisition of Alvarado, the Knicks defense has a promising future with the aggressiveness and agility Alvarado brings to the team.

Paired with his frontcourt teammates Karl Anthony Towns, 2nd in the league in rebounds per game, and Mitchell Robinson, who leads the league in offensive rebound percentage, “Grand Theft” Alvarado, as dubbed by fans, will contribute to the overall consistency and effectiveness of the Knicks defense.

A Spotty Start in NYC

Alvarado made his debut for the Knicks on February 8th, 2026 when the team took a sweeping victory over the rival Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Alvarado played 25 minutes and scored a total of 12 points for the Knicks. He went 5-12 in field goals, a 41.7 FG%. Additionally, Alvarado made two out of six of his three-point attempts, meeting his 35% career 3Pt average. He did perform well in other areas, too, recording a block, 2 steals, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists on the way to a 22-point victory for the Knicks.

The Knicks returned home to Madison Square Garden two nights later to take on the Indiana Pacers. In his new home debut, Alvarado recorded 18 minutes of play time and a total of four points. He shot poorly, going 1-5 in field goals and 0-3 from behind the arc. His final two points came at the free throw line, where he made 2-3 after being fouled. In total, Alvarado had one rebound, five assists, and four personal fouls. Alvarado underperformed in this game compared to his first against the Celtics, recording no blocks or steals and just one turnover. The team played sloppily overall, with 12 turnovers, but got lucky on its way to an overtime win against an undermanned Pacers team. This game showed that sometimes, when Alvarado’s defense fails to show, his offensive underperformance can hurt the team more than help.

Alvarado’s third game as a Knick was at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia against the 76ers on February 11th. In this one, Alvarado really hit his stride both offensively and defensively. Over 19 minutes, he recorded 26 points, shooting 8-13 with all thirteen shots from 3-point range. Add in two free throws and four assists, and he made up for his previously poor offensive performance against the Pacers. Additionally, Alvarado had three defensive rebounds and an impressive five steals. The largest lead of the night for the Knicks was 52 as they rode to another statement win against Maxey and the 76ers.

Alvarado’s first three games in New York show the three outcomes fans can most often expect from him. First, he’ll let his defense shine while participating as a role player on offense, something the Knicks will gladly take. Second, his defense falters and he is minimally involved in offensive playmaking and scoring. And third, he could go off completely on both ends of the court and play an impactful part in a Knicks win.

Down the Stretch

In his 18 games since his trade to the Knicks, Alvarado has averaged 17 minutes per game, recording 6.2 ppg. This number is lower than during his Pelicans tenure, but this is expected as he slots into a more efficient and talented Knicks offense, leading to less playing time. He is averaging 2 rebounds per game, but 4 assists and 1 steal, about on par with the rest of his career. He has become a regular role player on the Knicks' bench, as was the hope with his acquisition in early February.

Looking Ahead

With 12 games remaining in the regular season and on pace for a high playoff seed, the Knicks will focus on fine-tuning their offense and maintaining consistency on defense, something Alvarado will surely help with. His high energy and hometown history will contribute to the team’s chemistry and have had the fans on his side; all that’s left is to prove his value on the court as his team prepares for a hopefully deep postseason run.