Nickeil Alexander-Walker shines in Atlanta, highlighting Timberwolves’ roster depth
Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s journey from Minnesota to Atlanta has been nothing short of transformative. Once a promising guard constrained by the Timberwolves’ roster dynamics, he now thrives in a more expansive role with the Hawks. This raises a compelling question: Was his potential limited during his tenure in Minnesota?
A Shift in Opportunity
The Timberwolves faced challenges in retaining Alexander-Walker last offseason, largely due to the league’s new salary cap rules. Acquired from the Utah Jazz as a secondary piece in the trade that sent Mike Conley to Minnesota, NAW initially blended into the background. However, as the 2022-23 season progressed, he began to emerge, showcasing his abilities as one of the more effective bench players.
His scoring jumped from 6.2 points per game in his first season with the Timberwolves to 9.4 in his final season, demonstrating a steady improvement. Standing at 6-foot-5, Alexander-Walker has established himself as a valuable 3-and-D player, boasting a career three-point shooting percentage of 36.0% alongside his defensive prowess.
New Beginnings in Atlanta
At 27, Alexander-Walker signed a lucrative four-year, $62 million extension with the Hawks, a testament to his growing value in the league. His time in Minnesota indicated he could be a strong role player, but in Atlanta, he has blossomed into a formidable scoring threat. This season, he is averaging an impressive 18.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over 31.9 minutes per game. His shooting splits are equally telling: he is hitting 46.0% from the field, 35.8% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 83.8% from the free-throw line.
A standout moment came when he erupted for a career-high 38 points against the Spurs, shooting an astounding 13-of-17 from the field and 8-of-10 from three-point range. This performance starkly contrasts with his previous peak scoring season in 2021-22, when he averaged 12.8 points per game with the Pelicans.
The Key to His Success
What’s particularly intriguing about Alexander-Walker’s surge in Atlanta is the minimal increase in minutes compared to his time in Minnesota—just 6.6 more minutes per game. However, he has nearly doubled his scoring output, averaging 9.2 more points per game. The pivotal factor in this transformation lies in shot attempts. Last season, he averaged 7.5 field goal attempts per game, but this year, that number has skyrocketed to 13.8.
To assess whether Alexander-Walker was indeed held back in Minnesota, one must consider the Timberwolves’ roster construction. With a lineup featuring players like Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Jaylen Clark, the distribution of shots and salary was naturally limited. The depth of the Wolves’ rotation last season was a testament to their talent, making it difficult for any single player, including NAW, to command a significant role.
While it may seem reactionary to claim he was stifled in Minnesota, his success in Atlanta illustrates the wealth of talent the Timberwolves possessed. Alexander-Walker’s evolution serves as a reminder of the intricate balance teams must strike between developing young talent and managing established players, a dance that can sometimes leave promising athletes waiting for their moment in the spotlight.
