Knicks' Jose Alvarado returns home to Brooklyn

The Knicks guard grew up just steps from Barclays Center, now faces the Nets in his hometown.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:49pm

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Jose Alvarado, a guard for the New York Knicks, grew up just minutes away from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. On Friday, he returned to his hometown to play against the Brooklyn Nets, marking a full-circle moment in his career. Alvarado, who went undrafted in 2021, has carved out a reputation as one of the league's most disruptive point-of-attack defenders and is now playing for the Knicks, crossing borough lines to represent New York.

Why it matters

Alvarado's homecoming to Brooklyn highlights his unlikely journey to the NBA and the changing landscape of his childhood neighborhood, which has seen significant development and gentrification over the years. His return as a Knicks player also adds an extra layer of drama and emotion to the crosstown rivalry between the Knicks and Nets.

The details

Alvarado grew up just steps away from the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues, close enough to watch the area transform from a train station into a bustling, developed city center that is now home to the Barclays Center. Despite the changes, Alvarado's grandmother still lives in the nearby projects, and he continues to visit the neighborhood. Alvarado didn't expect to one day return to Brooklyn wearing a Knicks jersey, but he has embraced the moment and the requests for tickets from friends and family.

  • Alvarado logged 13 minutes in the Knicks' one-point victory over the Nets on Friday, March 22, 2026.

The players

Jose Alvarado

A guard for the New York Knicks who grew up just minutes away from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Nets

The NBA team that plays at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and the opponent Alvarado faced in his homecoming game.

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What they’re saying

“'[Fort Greene] got expensive. My grandma still lives there, my dad's mom. She lives in the projects right there down the street from Fort Greene. She still lives there. So me and my dad we go visit. We could walk there.'”

— Jose Alvarado, Knicks Guard

“'Nah, nah, I didn't really think of that. I didn't think none of this. I didn't think I was going to be playing for the Knicks.'”

— Jose Alvarado, Knicks Guard

“'It's cool. It's just cool all the time to play with a Knicks jersey on, but obviously playing at Brooklyn, playing against Brooklyn pretty special.'”

— Jose Alvarado, Knicks Guard

What’s next

Alvarado and the Knicks will continue their season, facing other opponents in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Jose Alvarado's homecoming to Brooklyn as a member of the Knicks represents his unlikely journey to the NBA and the changing landscape of his childhood neighborhood. Despite the development and gentrification of the area, Alvarado remains connected to his roots and is embracing the opportunity to play in front of his friends, family, and the community that watched him grow up.