Jose Alvarado gave New York 19.9 minutes, 3.4 assists and real defensive value last season. His offense is the problem, and it has to improve for a team chasing a repeat.
Small Minutes, Big Job
Alvarado is a 28-year-old guard, No. 5, with five seasons behind him. Last season he played 69 games at 19.9 minutes. He is not the name on the marquee. He is the guard who changes the temperature of a game. The Knicks open the title defense Tuesday against the 76ers, and Tyrese Maxey averaged 28.3 points last season. Pressure like that is why this role exists.
The Line
He averaged 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season. He added 1.0 steals against 1.1 turnovers, so the ball goes where he sends it and he takes it away more than he gives it up. He shot 41.6 percent from the field, 35.2 percent from three on 4.2 attempts, and 76.1 percent at the line. That is serviceable. It is not a threat.
Under The Hood
The advanced numbers split. His usage was 16.7 percent, his true shooting 54.3, and his assist rate 24.4, which is a real playmaker's number for 20 minutes. His defensive rating of 110.7 beat the team's 112.3 last season. His offensive rating of 112.0 sat far below the team's 118.7. His net mark of 1.3 trailed the team's 6.4. The defense is the draw. The offense is the leak.
Cheap And Healthy
He is owed $4.5 million this season, $4.9 million next and $5.2 million in 2028-29. On a $227.7 million payroll, that is pocket change. He is not on the injury report. There are no lineup numbers from last season that single out a combination he thrives in, so the case rests on his own line.
The Verdict
Alvarado does not need to score more. He needs to stop the offense from dipping when he is on the floor. Hit threes at a better clip than 35.2 percent, keep the assist rate near 24, and keep the pressure on the other team's guards. Do that and he is a bargain. Slip, and 19.9 minutes becomes a hole Mike Brown has to patch.
What did Jose Alvarado average for the Knicks last season?
He averaged 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals in 19.9 minutes over 69 games. He shot 35.2 percent from three.
How much does Jose Alvarado make this season?
He is owed $4.5 million in 2026-27. His deal then pays $4.9 million in 2027-28 and $5.2 million in 2028-29.
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