On February 5, the NBA trade deadline passed, reshuffling player rosters across the league. Among those moving to a new team is Jose Alvarado, a 2017 graduate of Christ the King High School, who is now returning to his hometown to play for the New York Knicks. This significant move marks a homecoming for Alvarado after several years with the New Orleans Pelicans.
From Christ the King to the NBA: Alvarado’s Early Career and Achievements
Jose Alvarado made a lasting impression during his time at Christ the King High School, where he became the first player in school history to record a quadruple-double: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals in a single game. This defensive prowess earned him the nickname “Grand Theft Alvarado.” Committing to Georgia Tech in 2016, Alvarado was a consistent starter for four seasons. While at Georgia Tech, he helped the Yellow Jackets win their first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title since the 1990s by defeating a Florida State team led by future NBA All-Star Scottie Barnes.
Joseph Arbitello, the Principal and coach at Christ the King who coached Alvarado in high school, reflected on his toughness and consistent performance.
“He wasn’t the most highly-suited kid in the world, but he always had the toughness that he plays with,”
Arbitello said.
“His game’s been the same regardless of the level he played at, whether it was college, high school, or the NBA. He’s a great kid.”
Professional Highlights and Role with the New Orleans Pelicans
Alvarado was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2021 NBA draft after forgoing an extra year at Georgia Tech due to COVID-19 disruptions. Since joining the Pelicans, he has served as an important point guard and contributed valuable minutes on the court. His career highlight includes scoring a season-high 38 points in a game against the Denver Nuggets three years ago.
Coach Arbitello expressed confidence in Alvarado’s potential early on, comparing him to other notable alumni.
“I’m a fan of whatever team my players play on,”
Arbitello said.
“I just thought if anybody could do it, it could be him. We’ve had Lamar Odom, Steve Claxton and Erick Barkley. So for him to be up with those names, that’s when I knew he was going to be special.”
Lasting Ties to His Alma Mater and Community
Despite advancing to the professional ranks, Alvarado has maintained a strong connection to his roots at Christ the King and his community in Middle Village, New York. He has shown his support by donating new backboards to the school gym and returned in 2023 to retire his jersey and engage with current students. During that visit, Alvarado reflected on his physical attributes versus his inner drive:
“I’m not 6’5. I’m not athletic. I don’t have a crazy wingspan. But I got heart — that you can’t measure,”
he said.
Fan Reactions and Alvarado’s Response to the Trade
Following the public announcement of the trade by NBA insider Shams Charania, comments flooded Alvarado’s social media pages, with New Yorkers excited to welcome him back and Pelicans supporters expressing sadness at his departure. One fan wrote on Instagram,
“Damn dog, this **** sucks. Thank you, bro. New Orleans is always your second home, man, we love you. Go be great.”
Although Alvarado has not yet publicly addressed the trade, possibly because he was celebrating his daughter’s sixth birthday, a video surfaced of his interview after playing his first game at Madison Square Garden. In that interview, Alvarado showed gratitude toward fans and family alike and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to compete at such an iconic location.
What This Trade Means for the Knicks and Alvarado’s Future
Jose Alvarado’s arrival to the New York Knicks brings a player with deep local ties and a strong defensive mindset to the team’s backcourt. Known for his heart and effort, his addition could energize the Knicks’ roster, especially given his familiarity with the New York area and connection to fans. His journey from a local high school legend to a professional athlete returning home highlights his perseverance and passion for the game.
Looking ahead, Alvarado’s performance with the Knicks will be closely watched by New York fans who have followed his growth since his early days at Christ the King. His ongoing contributions could play a key role in the Knicks’ campaign moving forward this season.
