Fresh off helping deliver a championship to New York, Jose Alvarado took the celebration from the hardwood to the streets of Manhattan, joining thousands of revelers at the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade just days after the New York Knicks capped off their historic title run.
According to Bleacher Report, the hometown favorite was one of the most recognizable faces at the festivities on Sunday, June 14, riding atop a parade float alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as fans packed Fifth Avenue.
Videos from the event quickly spread across social media, showing Alvarado soaking in the atmosphere and receiving a hero’s welcome from supporters still buzzing from the Knicks’ championship victory. Fellow Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson also attended, with crowds breaking into chants of “Knicks in five!” as the celebration rolled through the city.
The parade brought together several prominent Puerto Rican figures from sports and entertainment. WWE stars Damian Priest and Lola Vice were also spotted at the event.
But for Alvarado, the moment carried additional significance. Born in Brooklyn and raised in New York City, the guard has become one of the most relatable figures on the Knicks roster since arriving in a midseason trade from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Addressing fans from the float, Alvarado reflected on the moment and his connection to the city. “Thank you guys so much, it means the world to me. Really,” he said. “I'm a kid from Brooklyn. And the Knicks party f*ckin' did it.”
Alvarado’s rise to fan favorite status accelerated throughout the playoffs. While he averaged 4.2 points during the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, his impact extended beyond the box score.
He shared ball-handling responsibilities with Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and delivered key contributions during New York’s dramatic Game 4 comeback win.
The championship parade weekend also marked a sharp contrast from another viral moment involving Alvarado. During Game 3 of the Finals, the guard famously dove into the courtside seats at Madison Square Garden while chasing a loose ball, crashing into former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Bloomberg later joked online, “Great to meet NYC’s homegrown star, @AlvaradoJose15. But next time, Jose, just call me.”
