Rudy Gobert champions Alexander-Walker's remarkable transformation, witnessing firsthand the dedication fueling his breakout season with the Hawks.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is enjoying his best season in the NBA in his first season with the Atlanta Hawks. Alexander-Walker is averaging 20.3 points per game in 53 games with Atlanta, and is also adding 3.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
Originally a first-round draft pick by the Brooklyn Nets, Alexander-Walker debuted with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019-2020 season. He stuck with the Pelicans for a couple of seasons, but then bounced around to the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves before joining the Hawks this past offseason.
He played three seasons with the Timberwolves, and when the Hawks visited Minnesota for their most recent game, NAW got a nice little tribute video for his return.
Following the Timberwolves' win over the Hawks, ex-teammate Rudy Gobert praised Alexander-Walker for his hard work and for starting to be recognized across the NBA:
“He deserves all the love that he’s getting, I’m really proud of him. I was there in Utah when he came from New Orleans and he wasn’t getting any minutes… I saw the work of someone who really changed their approach. He used to carry a book everywhere, reading… he used to be the first in the facility and the last to leave, laying in the cold tub, doing all the stuff even when he wasn’t playing eventually he got his opportunity a couple years later and I was there to witness it too(smiles)… I’m very proud of him”
Last season with the T-wolves, Nickeil averaged just nine points per game. The biggest change for NAW has clearly been his willingness to take more shots. In 2024, he averaged 7.5 field goals attempted per game. This season, that FGA number is 15.8.
He also doesn't take games off, which has made Alexander-Walker one of the most reliable scorers Atlanta has. In the loss against Minnesota, NAW scored 23, including four three-pointers.
As Gobert outlined, he and NAW had played together in Utah and Minnesota, so he's seen the journey firsthand. Jalen Johnson is currently one of the favorites for most improved player in the NBA this season, but Nickeil Alexander-Walker's strides as a player are undeniable as well.
The Hawks have just one game remaining until the NBA All-Star break, and while Alexander-Walker isn't an All-Star, he's earned the break to rest and gear up for the Hawks' final push this regular season.