Jose Alvarado Has Several Paths to Bigger Knicks Role in Playoffs

The energetic guard has seen his role reduced since being traded to New York, but there are opportunities for him to make an impact in the postseason.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in mid-motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a color palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the intense energy and physicality of playoff basketball.Alvarado's aggressive defensive style could be a key asset for the Knicks as they look to slow down the Hawks' high-powered backcourt in the playoffs.New Orleans Today

Jose Alvarado's role with the Knicks has been reduced since being traded from the Pelicans, but he still has several paths to seeing more playing time in the playoffs. Injuries to Miles McBride and the potential need for Alvarado's defensive intensity against the Hawks could open the door for more minutes. Alvarado's playoff experience also gives him an advantage over younger options like Tyler Kolek.

Why it matters

Alvarado's ability to disrupt opposing backcourts could be crucial for the Knicks as they look to make a deep playoff run. His tenacious style of play could help slow down the Hawks' high-powered offense led by CJ McCollum and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

The details

Alvarado has seen his minutes per game drop from 16.9 during the regular season to just the fourth-highest among Knicks bench players. However, with rotations tightening in the playoffs, Alvarado is still likely to be part of the team's game plan. The potential struggles of Miles McBride, who is still working his way back from injury, could open the door for more playing time for Alvarado. The Knicks may also look to Alvarado's playoff experience and defensive intensity to slow down the Hawks' backcourt.

  • Alvarado was traded to the Knicks at the deadline.
  • McBride missed 28 games due to a hernia surgery and has looked rusty in his return.
  • The Knicks will face the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs.

The players

Jose Alvarado

A guard who was traded from the Pelicans to the Knicks at the deadline. He has seen his role reduced since the trade but still has opportunities to earn more playing time in the playoffs.

Miles McBride

A Knicks bench player who missed significant time due to a hernia surgery and has struggled in his return, potentially opening the door for more minutes for Alvarado.

Tyler Kolek

A second-year guard for the Knicks who has not earned much playing time and is likely to see his role further reduced in the playoffs.

CJ McCollum

The Hawks' starting point guard, who along with Nickeil Alexander-Walker forms a high-powered backcourt that Alvarado could be tasked with slowing down.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Hawks' starting shooting guard, who along with CJ McCollum forms a high-powered backcourt that Alvarado could be tasked with slowing down.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Knicks will face the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for this Saturday. Alvarado's role and playing time will be something to monitor as the series progresses, especially if Miles McBride continues to struggle or the Knicks need Alvarado's defensive intensity against the Hawks' backcourt.

The takeaway

Jose Alvarado may have seen his role reduced since being traded to the Knicks, but he still has several paths to earning more playing time in the playoffs. His defensive intensity, playoff experience, and the potential struggles of other bench players like Miles McBride could all open the door for Alvarado to make an impact as the Knicks look to make a deep postseason run.