Jose Alvarado

Alvarado is an American guard who has built an NBA career as a defensive pest and energy player since going undrafted in 2021. He spent his first four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans before signing with the New York Knicks in 2026 and winning an NBA championship, becoming the third Puerto Rican to do so.

Born on April 12, 1998, in Brooklyn, New York, Alvarado is the son of a Puerto Rican father and a Mexican mother. He attended Christ the King Regional High School in Queens, where as a junior he averaged 17 points and 6.5 assists and was named CHSAA Player of the Year. As a senior, he recorded the first quadruple-double in school history with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals. He committed to Georgia Tech over Rutgers and Seton Hall.

At Georgia Tech, Alvarado started all 25 games as a freshman, averaging 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He suffered a season-ending elbow fracture against Duke. As a sophomore, he averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists and led the team in scoring, assists, and steals. As a junior, he averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.2 steals and was named to the All-ACC Defensive Team. As a senior, he averaged 15.2 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 steals and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and second-team All-ACC.

After going undrafted in 2021, Alvarado signed with the New Orleans Pelicans and quickly became a fan favorite for his defensive hustle and steal-generating ability. In 2026, he signed with the New York Knicks and won an NBA championship, joining Butch Lee and J.J. Barea as the only Puerto Rican champions. He has also represented Puerto Rico internationally, including at the 2024 Olympics.

Alvarado is a tenacious, ball-pressuring guard with active hands, elite anticipation, and a willingness to take on the toughest defensive assignments. Offensively, he provides timely three-point shooting, transition finishing, and playmaking in limited minutes. His defensive energy and hustle make him a situational contributor for teams needing backcourt toughness.

Alvarado enters each season as a veteran defensive specialist with an NBA championship and Olympic experience. His trajectory from an undrafted free agent to a fan favorite and championship-winning guard reflects persistence, defensive excellence, and a willingness to embrace a role built on energy and intensity.