Jose Alvarado commented on Victor Wembanyama’s postgame choice to skip the customary handshake line following the Knicks’ victory.
After 53 years of waiting, the New York Knicks have finally turned their NBA title dream into reality. In his debut season with the franchise, Jose Alvarado also finds himself becoming part of that historic championship legacy.
However, controversy quickly followed the Knicks’ Game 5 victory after San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama chose not to participate in the customary postgame handshakes with New York players. On The Breakfast Club, Alvarado addressed Wembanyama’s decision and offered his honest reaction.
“I got mixed emotions. I’m a competitor, too. I stare my enemies down. I shake their hand. It’s a game. You don’t like the moment. You lost probably the biggest game of your career. But you’re going to have more moments. I feel like the way he did it was a little too crazy for me. I loved how he competes during the game,” Alvarado said.
Not only Wembanyama, but his teammates also headed directly to the locker room following the disappointing loss. The incident has already drawn league-wide attention, with Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green also taking a sharp jab at the Spurs star.
The moment has sparked broader debate around sportsmanship, especially as Wembanyama experienced his first taste of deep postseason adversity. While critics have questioned the reaction, several former NBA players frame it as an emotional response in a painful moment rather than disrespect.
Jose Alvarado Weighs In on His Knicks’ Future
Alvarado is also emerging as one of the most discussed names in the Knicks’ complex offseason situation. When asked about free agency and whether his commitment to the franchise remains unchanged after winning a championship, he reflected on his mindset.
“I always made my way. So, it was always like, ‘Yo, every time I got to come here, I got to prove to myself.’ And that’s what my life is about, and that’s fine with me, though,” Alvarado said.
Beyond the emotions of the title run, Alvarado has also entered a significant career phase financially and professionally. By helping secure the 2026 championship, he became only the third Puerto Rican player in NBA history to win an NBA title.
The Knicks veteran now holds a $4.5 million player option for the 2026–27 season. Following his strong Finals performance, he enters the offseason with considerable leverage in contract discussions.
