The Knicks’ title parade was never only about the players. Thursday’s celebration brought actors, singers, former franchise greats and political figures into the same citywide moment.
Zohran Mamdani drew attention after joining the float and dancing during the celebrations. Kathy Hochul was also spotted as New York marked the end of a 53-year title wait.
Another familiar face stood out, too. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used the occasion to reveal which current Knicks player has earned a special place with her.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez names Jose Alvarado as favorite current Knick
One of the most recognisable progressive politicians in the United States, Ocasio-Cortez was asked about her favorite star in the current Knicks team, and she did not go straight for Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns. Her answer was Jose Alvarado.
Ocasio-Cortez told Gothamist: “On this team, I gotta say, I have a big soft spot for Jose Alvarado. Born and bred New Yorker, Puerto Rican, to make it here, to be a fan of the team and play on the team and bring the chip home for the city.
“You know, I have so much love for Brunson, KAT, everybody. But Jose Alvarado, I think, has got the soft spot here, for sure.”
Her pick was clearly rooted in identity as much as basketball.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cannot settle all-time Knicks debate
Her all-time Knicks answer was less simple.
Ocasio-Cortez pointed to the weight of the 53-year drought and the different eras that helped shape this championship moment.
She said: “The thing is that there’s so many Knicks that were a part of this moment, in that 53-year drought. We’ve got Carmelo Anthony, we’ve got [Stephon] Marbury… but of course we’ve got the greats like Patrick Ewing.”
For Knicks fans, that hesitation made sense. This title belonged to the current team, but it also carries a part of every generation that waited for it.
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