The Knicks didn’t just add Jose Alvarado to their roster - they added a defensive spark plug who’s already carving out a clear role in Mike Brown’s rotation. Through the first two games since the trade, it’s been pretty evident: Alvarado is the backup point guard of choice behind Jalen Brunson. And while Jordan Clarkson is still in the mix, his minutes have taken a noticeable dip.
That’s not a knock on Clarkson’s ability to score - we know he can fill it up in a hurry. But Brown is clearly leaning into a different identity off the bench, one that prioritizes ball pressure and defensive intensity. And that’s where Alvarado shines.
Let’s look at how this is playing out.
Alvarado’s Early Impact
In his Knicks debut, Alvarado wasted no time making his presence felt. The team rolled to a blowout win over the Celtics in Boston, and Alvarado was right in the thick of it.
He logged 25 minutes off the bench - a strong indicator of trust from Brown - and contributed across the board: 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. He shot 5-of-12 from the field and knocked down a pair of threes.
But the box score doesn’t tell the whole story. Alvarado’s real impact came on the defensive end.
He hounded Boston’s ball-handlers, disrupted passing lanes, and brought the kind of edge that coaches love in a second-unit guard. It’s the kind of energy that shifts momentum - and clearly, Brown took notice.
In the Knicks' next game, an overtime loss to the Pacers, Alvarado again saw meaningful minutes, logging just over 18 minutes and dishing out five assists. He only scored four points, but again, the trust was there. Brown leaned on him to run the second unit, and Alvarado responded with steady playmaking and defensive hustle.
Clarkson’s Role Shrinking
On the flip side, Clarkson’s minutes have been limited. He played just over seven minutes in the win over Boston and saw a slight uptick to 12 minutes against Indiana. For a player known for his scoring punch, it’s a noticeable drop - especially on a team that could always use more firepower off the bench.
But here’s the thing: with Brunson carrying the offensive load in the starting lineup, Brown appears to be looking for balance from his reserves. That means defense, ball movement, and energy - all areas where Alvarado currently holds the edge over Clarkson.
What Happens When McBride Returns?
The rotation could get even tighter soon. Once Miles McBride is back in action, there’s a good chance he reclaims the backup point guard spot.
But even then, Alvarado has likely done enough to stay in the mix. His defensive versatility and ability to play off the ball give Brown options - especially in matchups where perimeter defense becomes a premium.
And for Clarkson? The path to consistent minutes is getting narrower. Unless he forces the issue with his scoring - and does it efficiently - he may find himself on the outside looking in when the rotation tightens.
Bottom Line
Two games in, the message is clear: Mike Brown values what Jose Alvarado brings to the table. The scrappy guard has stepped into his role with confidence and energy, and it’s paying off. Clarkson’s scoring ability hasn’t disappeared, but right now, it’s Alvarado’s defense and playmaking that are earning him the nod.
It’s early, and rotations can evolve. But if these first glimpses are any indication, Alvarado’s going to be a key piece of this Knicks bench - and Clarkson’s going to have to fight to get his minutes back.