Timberwolves' foundation fuels Alexander-Walker's Atlanta resurgence. He credits his time in Minneapolis for unlocking his career-best performance and Hawks' playoff push.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s return to Minneapolis on Monday night carried far more meaning than just another regular-season game.
Now a key piece for the Atlanta Hawks, Alexander-Walker admitted that his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves played a major role in shaping the player he has become.
Speaking with Chris Hine of Star Tribune ahead of the Hawks’ matchup at Target Center, Alexander-Walker reflected on the two-and-a-half seasons he spent in Minnesota and how they helped fuel his breakout year in Atlanta.
“My son was born here,” Alexander-Walker said. “This is where I feel like the Nickeil Alexander-Walker we all see today was born as well.”
That growth is showing up across the stat sheet. Alexander-Walker has scored in double figures in 24 straight games and is in the middle of the best stretch of his career.
Over his last 10 outings, he is averaging 19.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.5 steals, emerging as a steady offensive engine for a Hawks team that has had to navigate injuries and roster turnover.
Atlanta is not the same group it was at the start of the season, but despite the changes, the Hawks have stayed competitive. Alexander-Walker has been one of the constants, providing scoring, playmaking, and defensive effort while the team reshaped itself around him.
However, his experience with Minnesota, a franchise that reached the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons, clearly left an impression.
That influence shows in his mindset as the Hawks push toward the postseason. When asked about his goals for the remainder of the year, Alexander-Walker kept his answer simple.
“Try to make the playoffs,” he said. “If we can avoid the Play-In and secure a seed, hopefully we can make a run. We’re building.”
He also pointed to the chemistry developing within Atlanta’s core, highlighting strong play from Jalen Johnson, growth from Dyson Daniels, and improved communication alongside CJ McCollum.
The Hawks were active at the trade deadline, adding Jock Landale, Jonathan Kuminga, and Buddy Hield, while also moving out Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard.
Alexander-Walker believes the new pieces can help elevate the group as long as chemistry comes together quickly.
“As we all kind of get rolling, the goal is to make the playoffs and try to make a run,” he said. “I want to win, and I want to compete.”
Currently sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference, Atlanta is within striking distance of climbing the standings but also close to slipping further down. With one of the league’s easier remaining schedules, the opportunity is there.
For Alexander-Walker, the lessons learned in Minnesota are now helping drive Atlanta’s push forward.