Nickeil Alexander-Walker Shines for Hawks in Career-Best Season

TORONTO – Nickeil Alexander-Walker is enjoying a standout season with the Atlanta Hawks, achieving career highs in several key statistical categories. The 27-year-old guard from Toronto has been instrumental for the Hawks, contributing significantly in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Following a recent loss to the Toronto Raptors on January 4, 2026, Alexander-Walker reflected on his performance and the importance of incremental progress.

“Little, small deeds, over time become big when you add them all up,” said Alexander-Walker, who joined the Hawks during the off-season. He attributes much of his success to the support he has received from teammates and the organization. “From my circle, the guys that helped me out this summer, trainers, to guys on the team being so welcoming, allowing me to step into this role, and cheering me on,” he added.

Alexander-Walker was selected 17th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2019 NBA Draft. However, his rights were traded to Atlanta shortly after, before being sent to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he signed his first professional contract. After spending over two seasons in New Orleans, he was traded to the Utah Jazz and later to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

On July 6, 2025, Alexander-Walker signed a four-year, US$62 million contract with the Hawks in a sign-and-trade deal that included a 2027 second-round pick and cash considerations to Minnesota. This move has been pivotal in his on-court performance, as he has embraced his role with enthusiasm.

“It’s really more than me going out there and putting up numbers, or even just working hard,” he stated after scoring 31 points against Toronto. “I’m a hard critic on myself, and (Hawks coaches and players) allow me to make mistakes and say ‘keep being aggressive.’ That means the world to me and it allows me to be myself.”

As of the Raptors game, Alexander-Walker was averaging 20.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.6 blocks per game, all of which represent career highs. His defensive prowess has also improved, matching his career-best average of one steal per game, previously recorded during the 2020-21 season with New Orleans.

Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, who briefly coached Alexander-Walker in Utah, praised his development. “It’s not just his numbers, which we can all see,” Snyder noted in his pre-game press conference. “Since the time we were in Utah together, I’ve watched him a lot and seen how he’s evolved defensively, shooting the ball.”

This season, Atlanta has fielded one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, with an average age of 23.79 years. Snyder highlighted Alexander-Walker’s role in providing veteran leadership, especially during stretches when four-time all-star Trae Young has been sidelined.

“One of the biggest things he’s given us is a voice both on and off the court,” Snyder said. “Just a level of professionalism that he brings, a work ethic, all those quote-unquote intangibles that I think make him a special player.”

The Hawks and Raptors are set to face off again on Monday night at Scotiabank Arena, with Alexander-Walker looking to continue his impressive form. The ongoing season may define his career as he builds on the foundations laid in Atlanta.