With the right mentality, talented NBA players can take their respective games to new heights deeper into their careers than most. This was the case for Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker after joining his new team last season. Once again, he's reached a new level.
He’s a major reason why the Hawks are on the longest win streak in the Eastern Conference, but is it enough for him to claim an All-Star spot in Phoenix come February?
NAW has plenty of competition in the Eastern Conference
Assessing the competition, his biggest in-conference threats are Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, James Harden and Donovan Mitchell. These are five of the league’s most popular guards, and they’re all on winning teams.
The fan voting won’t be an issue for them. It’ll be the opposite for Alexander-Walker. The former Virginia Tech Hokie has worked very hard to find his role in Atlanta after his first five seasons in the league.
Many of his peers found relative success with their first teams. They've become solidified franchise cornerstones, while Alexander-Walker is just now hitting his stride in Atlanta after 89 career games for the Hawks.
He had to play catch-up, and now his rise is undeniable. Alexander-Walker is shooting 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 22.1 points per game after 11 games this season. This year has a different feel to it because of his aggression.
Atlanta's sole All-Star, Jalen Johnson, missed three games after spraining his right ankle, and Alexander-Walker responded by averaging 24.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists during Johnson’s absence.
It provided a small but telling sample size of him being a top option. He fulfilled his obligation as a true leader in the locker room.
It’s clear he’s improved even more after his first season with the Hawks, but is it all enough to earn that coveted All-Star appearance?
Has Alexander-Walker truly reached an All-Star level?
Seeing how he’s performing right now, it’s in the realm of possibility. If the Hawks maintain their current state of play, he'll be a key piece of one the Eastern Conference’s best teams.
He’s always putting on a show for the fans, and his family connection to the reigning league two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will always make him an intriguing story.
Another important factor is health. Multiple stars have been bitten by the injury bug, and any of his competition could be the next victim. Regardless, he has to keep his streak going and hope for the best.
We’ve seen Hawks players snubbed in the past. A prime example is former Hawk Trae Young. He averaged 26.2 points and 10.2 assists per game, yet missed the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.
This is concerning for Alexander-Walker, given that Young was the much more popular player. One thing, however, is certain: he’ll give the Hawks his best effort with or without recognition from the rest of the league.
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