Jose Alvarado might be playing for the New York Knicks now, but most people remember his 2025-26 season for one event. That was when he was playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, and he had a physical fight against Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams.
Alvarado had a significant size disadvantage against the big man, but he still had that fight that got him a suspension. Despite that, he does not regret that moment, but he did have to pay a significant fine for what happened.
Jose Alvarado reveals his interaction with Shaquille O’Neal after viral fight
In December, Alvarado made the headlines with his fight against Williams. Over the years, Alvarado has been known to be one of the peskiest defenders, but he has also proven that he is never scared, no matter the opponent.
He had no issues standing up to a player significantly taller than him. That kind of heart is rare for athletes, especially when there is a size difference between him and a true center like Williams.
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Unfortunately, that kind of thing does not go unpunished in the NBA. Alvarado had to part ways with around $36,000, which NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal deemed as chump change, but Alvarado disagreed.
“Shout out to Shaq, he called me right away. He said, ‘That’s how you do it, young fella. Don’t worry, that’s chump change.’ Shaq, it’s a different payroll over here,” Alvarado said on 7PM in Brooklyn.
Alvarado brings up a valid point because there is a huge difference for role players like him when it comes to paying fines. He is not as loaded as players like Jalen Brunson multiple millions per season. However, Alvarado still found the fun in his exchange with the three-time Finals MVP.