The Atlanta Hawks have secured guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a four-year, $60.6 million contract, aiming to enhance his role compared to his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although he began the 2025-26 season coming off the bench and averaging 16.2 points over the first five games, Alexander-Walker seized the opportunity to shine when Trae Young was sidelined due to injury on October 29. Since entering the starting lineup, he has not only elevated his game but has also assumed the role of secondary scorer behind Jalen Johnson, registering career-high stats.
Known for his defensive prowess, Alexander-Walker built a solid reputation in Minnesota, becoming one of the league’s top performers in navigating ball screens and applying pressure to opposing ball handlers. This year, he has contributed significantly to a much-improved Hawks defense, which now ranks 10th in defensive rating at 111.6 over their last 12 games. Notably, during a five-game winning streak, Atlanta boasted a dominant defensive rating of 107.7, reflecting a marked improvement over the previous season. The Hawks’ defense, which forces an average of 16.8 turnovers per game, highlights the crucial roles played by Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Johnson in creating fast-break opportunities.
On the offensive front, Alexander-Walker is enjoying the best season of his career. He is averaging 19.7 points on 47.0% shooting from the field, a significant jump from his past performance where he barely crossed the double-digit mark in scoring. His increased playing time and shot attempts now yield a career-high usage rate of 25.4%. This season, playing a critical role in a team aiming for playoff contention, Alexander-Walker is stepping up in ways he hadn’t before during his tenure with New Orleans.
The 27-year-old guard has started 11 of Atlanta’s first 14 games and is currently averaging 21.0 points, along with 50.3% shooting from the field and 35.2% from three-point range. His offensive contributions have escalated recently, highlighted by a remarkable performance of 38 points against the San Antonio Spurs, which included eight three-pointers. Despite a rocky start with his long-range shooting, Alexander-Walker’s ability to attack the basket has opened up scoring opportunities, allowing him to find success from various areas on the court.
Moreover, Alexander-Walker has emerged as a key performer in clutch situations. He leads the Hawks with 81 points scored in the fourth quarter this season. While the team typically relies on Young’s elite playmaking during tense moments, Alexander-Walker and Johnson have adapted to take on that responsibility. Despite recent setbacks in close games, this experience will be invaluable as the season progresses, particularly when defenses collapse on Young, prompting the need for other players to step up under pressure.
As the Hawks continue their journey this season, the breakout performance of Nickeil Alexander-Walker stands out as a beacon of hope, demonstrating his potential to be a significant contributor in their quest for playoff success.