Jose Alvarado, who just signed a multiyear contract with the defending champions, led Puerto Rico with 19 points in an 89-75 defeat to Argentina in Mar del Plata. He shot 7-of-15 from the field, including 3-of-8 from three, and added six rebounds and four assists. Argentina was led by Gabriel Deck, Leandro Bolmaro, and Facundo Campazzo, who helped extend a halftime one-point margin into a decisive second half. A notable opponent on the sidelines was former Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni, who coached Argentina.
Pacome Dadiet, meanwhile, made his first appearance for Ivory Coast and contributed in Dakar, Senegal as Ivory Coast defeated Mali 83-77. Dadiet scored nine points on 4-of-12 shooting and went 1-of-8 from beyond the arc, but he was a force on the boards with a game-high nine rebounds, including five on the offensive glass.
For the Knicks, the two performances carry distinct implications.
Jose Alvarado Begins a Fresh Contract Phase in New York
Alvarado’s position with the Knicks grew more secure this summer when he declined a $4.5 million player option and agreed to a three-year contract worth over $14 million to stay with the team. He had already proven his value during the championship run, notably contributing alongside Jalen Brunson in the Finals’ comeback from a 29-point deficit in Game 4 against San Antonio, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter and tallying three assists in the victory.
Puerto Rico’s offense leaned more on Alvarado during the international window, which could make these qualifiers meaningful preparation ahead of Knicks training camp.
Pacome Dadiet Faces Knicks Decisions
Dadiet’s international assignment carries higher stakes. Ivory Coast’s win over Mali marked his senior debut for the national team after previously representing France at the youth level. Born in France to an Ivorian father, Dadiet previously played for France at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 World Cup before choosing Ivory Coast, following his older brother Maxence.
This moment is pivotal for Dadiet’s Knicks career. Drafted 25th overall in 2024, he is entering his third season but has not yet secured a regular rotation role. This summer, his name has surfaced as a potential trade asset as New York navigates a tight second tax apron and looks to add frontcourt depth. Financially, New York must decide by October 31 whether to exercise Dadiet’s $5.37 million team option for 2027-28. The Knicks already guaranteed his $2.98 million salary for this season by exercising his third-year option last fall.
Dadiet’s international showing against Mali highlighted areas to improve. He went 1-of-8 from three-point range, but his nine rebounds—five offensive—demonstrated other ways he can influence games when his shot isn’t falling.
In summary, Alvarado enters camp with a new three-year commitment from the Knicks, while Dadiet approaches a critical contract decision and continued evaluation for his roster future. For both players, World Cup qualifying represents more than offseason basketball: it’s a barometer of development and a staging ground for what comes next with the Knicks.
