The Atlanta Hawks are third in defensive rating since Trae Young suffered a knee injury, and they have Nickeil Alexander-Walker to thank for that needed improvement. NAW showcased his elite perimeter defense in Minnesota, including drawing the matchup against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Western Conference Finals. The Hawks have nobody to hide with Trae out, and it has resulted in a 7-2 stretch that has Atlanta looking like a serious threat in the East.
This unfortunate injury has allowed the Hawks to find a lockdown defensive unit and helped Jalen Johnson transform into a star. It also has Hawks fans loving the Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels backcourt. Fans may think it is Daniels making Young expendable, but it is actually NAW.
Alexander-Walker’s impact on both ends of the floor proves the Hawks are better off without Young. The four-time All-Star is one of the best playmakers in the world, but his defensive issues are well-documented. Atlanta is on a five-game winning streak, thanks to an improved balance.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is proving Hawks don’t need Trae Young
The Hawks are considering their options. They signed NAW to a four-year $60.6 million contract in the offseason to steal him away from the Timberwolves. Atlanta did not extend Trae Young. The four-time All-Star can be a free agent in the 2026 offseason if he declines $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
This is a make-or-break year, and his injury could be giving the Hawks all the evidence they need. The Hawks were 2-3 with Young to start the year and 7-2 since. The superstar has the worst plus-minus on the team, and Atlanta has been 16.1 points per 100 possessions worse with Young on the floor to start this season.
In Young's absence, Alexander-Walker has averaged 19.0 points, 3.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 30.7 minutes per game. He has struggled to make his 3-pointers, but it is a small seven-game sample. The defensive upgrade has allowed the Hawks to make a leap.
They are 11th in offensive rating and third on defense without Young. The hallmark of a title contender is being top ten in both categories. Atlanta is on the verge and will only get better. Jalen Johnson has taken a star leap this season. Zaccharie Risarcher and Dyson Daniels are still improving. Onyeka Okongwu has been better than fans have ever seen. The Hawks got a stew going, and the two-way balance makes them more dangerous, especially when the games matter most.
The Hawks appear willing to let Trae Young walk in the summer. They have not tried to work out an extension and have not had trade talks. Those discussions could heat up before the deadline, especially if Atlanta keeps proving to be a threat with Ice Trae on the sidelines.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker was a fantastic free agent signing by the Atlanta Hawks. New general manager Onsi Saleh had an impressive offseason, and the franchise looks like a serious threat in the Eastern Conference. It could force them to shake things up and dump Trae Young. This would be a massive shift, but one the Hawks need if they want to seriously contend moving forward.